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SABBATH SCHOOL
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S
S
'TARTE
GNARL ES
HGARO. ARTIST
© P. P. P. A.
swims IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
SENIOR DIVISION, NO. 265, THIRD QUARTER, 1961
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the
study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts,
to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible.
If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of
mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these
times."—Steps to Christ,
page 9o.
"The more you search the Scriptures with humble hearts, the greater will
be your interest. . . . Every day you should learn something new from the
Scriptures."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 266.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my
Sabbath school lesson each day of the week.
Name
LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER
1.
Jesus—God-Man
2.
Jesus and His First Miracles
3.
Jesus and Nicodemus
4.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
5.
Jesus and the Impotent Man
6.
Jesus, the Bread of Life
7- Jesus and the Blind Man
8.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
9.
Jesus and Lazarus
io. Jesus and the Last Supper
r. Jesus and His Departure
12.
Jesus and His Father
13.
Jesus and the Cross
14.
Jesus and the Resurrection
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 265, July-September, 1961. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents
a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the
U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of , S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street,
Mountain View, California. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California.
When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1961, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Date and Authorship of the Gospel
of John:
"From every point of view it is
safe to date the Gospel of John about the
year A.D. 90, and thus within the lifetime
of the apostle whose name it bears. Con-
sequently it is reasonable, even on critical
premises, to hold that the apostle John was
its author. The majestic depth of under-
standing of the nature and purpose of the
mission of Christ set forth in the Gospel of
John makes it difficult to believe that an-
other than John the Beloved could have
been the penman."
"John is distinguished above the rest of
the Twelve as 'the disciple whom Jesus
loved' (ch. 21:20). In his heart the flame
of personal loyalty and ardent devotion to
his Master seemed to burn purer and
brighter than in the hearts of his fellows.
Between him and Jesus there developed a
more intimate friendship than the others
knew (DA 292). As Christ alone could per-
fectly reveal the Father, being the only
One who knew Him perfectly, so John was
eminently qualified to present, in his Gos-
pel, the sublime truths concerning Christ."
—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary, vol. 5,
pp. 181, 891.
Lesson 1, for July 1, 1961
Jesus—God-Man
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 1:1-18.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we be-
held His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and
truth." John 1:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 19-26, 31-38 (chapters 1, 3); "The Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary," vol. 5, pp. 179-181, 891-894, and on
Lesson Scripture; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To help us to know Christ, the Word, as our personal Saviour.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-8; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 9-13.
Check Here
Wednesday: Read further from
Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
(3
1
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
1.
The Word and God
1.
In the beginning. John 1:1, first
part.
2.
With God. John 1:1 (second
part), 2.
3.
The Creator. John 1:3.
4.
The Life and Light. John 1:4.
5.
Light in darkness. John 1:5.
II. The Word and the World
6.
Witness to the Light. John 1:6-8.
7.
The true Light. John 1:9.
8.
Reception of the Light. John
1:10, 11.
III. The Word Made Flesh
9.
Power to become sons. John 1:12.
10.
Born of God. John 1:13.
11.
The Incarnation. John 1:14.
12.
Giver of grace and truth. John
1:16, 17.
13.
Declarer of the unseen God.
John 1:18.
THE LESSON
Introduction
One With the Father:
"From the days
of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one
with the Father; He was 'the image of God,'
the image of His greatness and majesty,
`the outshining of His glory.' It was to
manifest this glory that He came to our
world. To this sin-darkened earth He came
to reveal the light of God's love,-to be
`God with us.' Therefore it was prophesied
of Him, 'His name shall be called Im-
manuel.'
"By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was
to reveal God both to men and to angels.
He was the Word of God,-God's thought
made audible."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 19.
The Word and God
1. What does John teach concern-
ing the eternity of Christ, the Word?
John 1:1, first part.
NOTE.-"The
Word
was,
throughout all
eternity; He never
became
such. But, in
time, the Word 'was made [literally, "be-
came" . . .] flesh' (v. 14). Thus, Christ
has ever
been
God (John 1:1; Heb. 1:8) ;
but, in contrast, He
became
man (John 1:
14; cf. Phil. 2:7). Thus, both in the words
and in their form, John stresses the con-
tinuous, timeless, unlimited existence of
Christ prior to His Incarnation. In eternity
past there was no point before which it
could be said that the Word was not. The
Son was 'with the Father from all eternity'
(AA 39). 'There never was a time when
He was not in close fellowship with the
eternal God' (Ev
615)."-The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on John 1:1.
2.
What was the relationship of the
Word to God? John 1:1 (second
part), 2.
NoTE.-"The fact that the Word was
`with God,' that is, with the Father, em-
phatically declares Him to be a being al-
together distinct from the Father. As the
context makes clear, the Word was as-
sociated with God in a unique and exclu-
sive sense. The Word was 'with God' in
the eternity past, but He became 'flesh' in
order to be with `us.' . . . It is impossible
to understand the import of the Incarna-
tion except against the background of the
eternal pre-existence of Christ as God and
as associated with God. . . .
"Word was God. . . .
John means that
the Word partook of the essence of Deity,
that He was divine in the ultimate and
absolute sense."-The
Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary,
on John 1:1.
3.
What was the scope of Christ's
creative work? John 1:3.
NOTE.-"If Christ made all things, He
existed before all things. The words spoken
in regard to this are so decisive that no one
need be left in doubt. Christ was God
[ 4 ]
"THE WORD BECAME FLESH."
"THE WORD WAS IN CREATION AND REDEMPTION."
essentially, and in the highest sense. He
was with God from all eternity, God over
all, blessed forevermore.
"The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son
of God, existed from eternity, a distinct
person, yet one with the Father. He was
the surpassing glory of heaven. He was
the commander of the heavenly intelli-
gences, and the adoring homage of the
angels was received by Him as His right."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol.
5, p.
1126.
4. What primary attributes did the
Word make available to man? John
1:4.
NoTE.—"It is not physical life that is
here specified, but eternal life, the life which
is exclusively the property of God. The
Word, who was with God, and who was
God, had this life. Physical life is some-
thing which each individual received. It is
not eternal or immortal; for God, the Life-
giver, takes it again. Man has no control
over his life. But the life of Christ was
unborrowed. No one can take this life
from Him. 'I lay it down of Myself,' He
said. In Him was life, original, unborrowed,
underived. This life is not inherent in man.
He can possess it only through Christ."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol.
5,
p. 1130.
5.
Where did the Light shine, and
with what success? John 1:5.
The Word and the World
6.
How did God prepare men for
the coming of the Light? John 1:6-8.
7.
How many may benefit from the
coming of the Light? John 1:9.
NoTE.—This verse (John 1:9) may also
be translated: "The true light that enlight-
ens every man was coming into the world."
R.S.V.
"As through Christ every human being
has life, so also through Him every soul re-
ceives some ray of divine light. Not only
intellectual but spiritual power, a percep-
tion of right, a desire for goodness, exists
in every heart. But against these principles
there is struggling an antagonistic power.
The result of the eating of the tree of
knowledge of good and evil is manifest in
every man's experience. There is in his na-
ture a bent to evil, a force which, unaided,
he cannot resist. To withstand this force, to
attain that ideal which in his inmost soul he
accepts as alone worthy, he can find help in
but one power. That power is Christ. Co-
operation with that power is man's great-
est
need."—Education,
page 29.
8.
Although the true Light came to
bless all, how was He received? John
1:10, 11.
The Word Made Flesh
9.
What did Christ, the Word and
the Light, give to those who received
Him and believed on Him? John
1:12.
Nora.—"Not by the decisions of courts
or councils or legislative assemblies, not by
the patronage of worldly great men, is the
kingdom of Christ established, but by the
[ 5 ]
implanting of Christ's nature in humanity
through the work of the Holy Spirit.. . .
Here is the only power that can work the
uplifting of mankind. And the human
agency for the accomplishment of this work
is the teaching and practicing of the word
of God."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 509,
510.
10.
How only can children of God
be born? John 1:13. Compare 1 Pe-
ter 1:23; James 1:18.
11.
In what sublime, perceptive
words does the evangelist describe the
way in which the Son of God became
the Son of man? John 1:14.
NOTE.—"Christ could not have come to
this earth with the glory that He had in the
heavenly courts. Sinful human beings could
not have borne the sight. He veiled His
divinity with the garb of humanity, but He
did not part with His divinity. A divine-
human Saviour, He came to stand at the
head of the fallen race, to share in their
experience from childhood to manhood."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p.
1128.
"Finite understanding halts at the thresh-
old of infinite love, wisdom, and power—
baffled and unable to go further. Paul
speaks of the Incarnation as a great mys-
tery (1 Tim. 3:16). To stray beyond the
bounds of what Inspiration has made
known is to delve into mysteries the human
mind lacks capacity to comprehend."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on John 1:14.
12.
For what spiritual gifts are we,
as believers, indebted to Christ? John
1:16, 17.
13.
What supreme revelation has
Christ given to those who study His
life? John 1:18.
NOTE.—"Christ, the Light of the world,
veiled the dazzling splendor of His divinity
and came to live as a man among men, that
they might, without being consumed, be-
come acquainted with their Creator. No
man has seen God at any time except as He
is revealed through Christ.. .
"God saw that a clearer revelation than
nature was needed to portray both His
personality and His character. He sent His
Son into the world to reveal, so far as could
be endured by human sight, the nature and
the attributes of the invisible
God."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 8, p. 265.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
How clear and firm is my belief in
Christ's Creatorship? John 1:1-3.
2.
Has a knowledge of Christ brought
spiritual life and light into my daily life?
John 1:4-9.
3.
Have I actively received Christ into
my life? John 1:10-13.
4.
Do I behold the Father's glory in the
earthly life of His Son? John 1:14-18.
Lesson 2, for July 8, 1961
Jesus and His First Miracles
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
John 2:1-11; 4:46-54.
MEMORY VERSE:
"This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and
manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him." John 2:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 144-153, 196-200 (chapters 15, 20);
"The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," vol. 5, pp. 208-213, and on
Lesson Scriptures; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To help us to gain a faith
similar to that of Mary and the nobleman.
[ 6 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
from Study Helps.
0
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3.
Wednesday: Questions 10-14.
Monday: Questions 4-6; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading Study
ing Study Helps.
Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9; read further
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Village Wedding
1.
Marriage in Cana. John 2:1.
2.
Jesus and disciples invited.
John 2:2.
3.
Embarrassing shortage of wine.
John 2:3, first part.
II. Mother and Son
4.
Mary's appeal to Jesus. John 2:3,
last part.
5.
Jesus' response to mother's appeal.
John 2:4.
6. Mary's trust in her Son. John 2:5.
III. The First Miracle
7. Jesus and the servants. John 2:6-8.
8. Water into wine. John 2:9, 10.
9. Results of the miracle. John 2:11.
IV. Another Miracle in Cana
10. An urgent request. John 4:46, 47.
11. Jesus tests the suppliant. John 4:48.
12. Jesus' response to faith. John
4:49, 50.
13. Faith leads to an immediate miracle.
John 4:51, 52.
14. The miracle leads to lasting belief.
John 4:53, 54.
THE LESSON
Introduction
forth to add to the joy of a wedding feast.
Thus He showed His sympathy with men,
Effective Belief:
"Not because we see or and His desire to minister to their happi-
feel that God hears us are we to believe. ness."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 144.
We are to trust in His promises. When we
"In the festal hall where friends and kin-
come to Him in faith, every petition enters dred rejoiced together, Christ began His
the heart of God. When we have asked for public ministry. Thus He sanctioned mar-
His blessing, we should believe that we re-
riage, recognizing it as an institution that
ceive it, and thank Him that we
have
re-
He Himself had established. He ordained
ceived it. Then we are to go about our that men and women should be united in
duties, assured that the blessing will be holy wedlock, to rear families whose mem-
realized when we need it most. When we bers, crowned with honor, should be rec-
have learned to do this, we shall know that ognized as members of the family above."-
our prayers are answered."-The
Desire of The Ministry of Healing,
page 356.
Ages,
page 200.
2. Who were included among the
The Village Wedding
invited guests? John 2:2.
1. What was the setting for Jesus'
first miracle? John 2:1.
NOTE.-"From the Jordan, Jesus had re-
turned to Galilee. There was to be a mar-
riage at Cana, a little town not far from
Nazareth; the parties were relatives of
Nora.-"Jesus
did not begin His ministry Joseph and Mary; and Jesus, knowing of
by some great work before the Sanhedrin this family gathering, went to Cana, and
at Jerusalem. At a household gathering in with His disciples was invited to the feast."
a little Galilean village His power was put
-The Desire of Ages,
page 144.
[7
1
3. What distressing shortage oc-
The First Miracle
curred? John 2:3, first part.
NoTE.—"It was the custom of the times
for marriage festivities to continue several
days. On this occasion, before the feast
ended it was found that the supply of wine
had failed. This discovery caused much
perplexity and regret. It was unusual to
dispense with wine on festive occasions,
and its absence would seem to indicate a
want of hospitality."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 145, 146.
Mother and Son
4.
To whom did Mary apply for
help in this emergency? John 2:3,
last part.
Nora.—"As
Mary had heard the disciples'
testimony in regard to Jesus, she had been
gladdened with the assurance that her long-
cherished hopes were not in vain. Yet she
would have been more than human if there
had not mingled with this holy joy a trace
of the fond mother's natural pride. As she
saw the many glances bent upon Jesus, she
longed to have Him prove to the company
that He was really the Honored of God.
She hoped there might be opportunity for
Him to work a miracle before them. . . .
"As a relative of the parties, Mary had
assisted in the arrangements for the feast,
and she now spoke to Jesus, saying, 'They
have no wine.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
pages
145, 146.
5.
What was Jesus' response to His
mother's appeal? John 2:4.
NoTE.—"This answer, abrupt as it seems
to us, expressed no coldness or discourtesy.
The Saviour's form of address to His mother
was in accordance with Oriental custom. It
was used toward persons to whom it was
desired to show respect."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 146.
6.
How did Mary reveal her com-
plete trust in her Son's power and
authority? John 2:5.
7.
What simple commands did the
Master give to the household servants?
John 2:6-8.
NoTE,—"The 'firkin' is thought to have
been the equivalent of the OT 'bath,' . . .
and thus about 5.81 U.S. gal. Each of the
six jars would then contain about 14.5 gal.,
and all six about 87 gal., an amount equal
to nearly two 45-gal. oil drums. A large
number of guests must have been present
at this wedding feast."—The
Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on John 2:6.
8.
What happy result followed the
servants' obedience? John 2:9, 10.
NoTE.—"The wine which Christ pro-
vided for the feast, and that which He gave
to the disciples as a symbol of His own
blood, was the pure juice of the grape. . . .
"The unfermented wine which He pro-
vided for the wedding guests was a whole-
some and refreshing drink. Its effect was
to bring the taste into harmony with a
healthful appetite."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 149.
9.
What higher objectives did Jesus
accomplish by this miracle? John
2:11.
Nom—It is encouraging to observe that
the Master showed forth His glory by such
a domestic miracle as meeting the shortage
of wine at a humble wedding feast. If we
allow Him, He will reveal His glory to us
today by supplying our needs in times of
emergency. Such miracles will help us, like
the disciples, to believe on Him.
Another Miracle in Cana
10.
When Jesus revisited Cana of
Galilee, what urgent request was made
of Him? John 4:46, 47.
11.
How did Jesus test the suppli-
ant's confidence in Him? John 4:48.
[
8
]
NOTE.—"Like
a flash of light, the Sav-
iour's words to the nobleman laid bare his
heart. He saw that his motives in seeking
Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith ap-
peared to him in its true character. In deep
distress he realized that his doubt might
cost the life of his son. He knew that he
was in the presence of One who could read
the thoughts, and to whom all things were
possible."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 198.
12.
When the distraught father re-
vealed a simple faith, how did Jesus
respond? John 4:49, 50.
NOTE.—"In an agony of supplication he
cried, 'Sir, come down ere my child die.' His
faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob,
when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried,
`I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless
me.' Genesis 32:26.
"Like Jacob he prevailed. The Saviour
cannot withdraw from the soul that clings
to Him, pleading its great need. 'Go thy
way,' He said ; 'thy son liveth.' The noble-
man left the Saviour's presence with a peace
and joy he had never known before. Not
only did he believe that his son would be
restored, but with strong confidence he
trusted in Christ as the Redeemer."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 198, 199.
13.
What was the immediate result
of the father's trustful action? John
4:51, 52.
OUR CHRISTIANITY IS MEASURED SY OUR PERSONAL
AND SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARD OTHERS.
3061-2
14.
What lasting spiritual benefit
resulted from the nobleman's initial
confidence in Jesus? John 4:53, 54.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Can I invite Jesus to share my social
pleasures? John 2:1, 2.
2.
How does my faith affect
my
obedi-
ence? John 2:3-8.
3.
Does my daily life permit Jesus to
manifest forth His glory? John 2:11.
4.
Do I demand signs before I believe?
John 4:48-50.
Lesson 3, for July 15, 1961
Jesus and Nicodemus
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 2:23-25; 3:1-17.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
John 3:5.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 167-177 (chapter 17); "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on Lesson Scripture; "The Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To help us to understand the significance of the new birth and to enter into
that experience through faith in Christ.
[97
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Finish reading
Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Growing Recognition of Jesus
1.
Miracles encourage belief. John
2:23.
2.
Jesus justifiably cautious of popu-
larity. John 2:24, 25.
3.
Nicodemus visits Jesus by night.
John 3:1, 2.
II. The New Birth
4.
New birth essential to eternal life.
John 3:3.
5.
The redeemed must be born of wa-
ter and the Spirit. John 3:4, 5.
6. Distinction between flesh and spirit.
John 3:6.
7. The Spirit's mysterious operations.
John 3:7, 8.
III. The Divine Explanation
8. "How can these things be?"
John 3:9.
9. Jesus' testimony reliable but un-
believed. John 3:10-12.
10. Jesus qualified to tell of heavenly
things. John 3:13.
IV. God's Son Sent to Save
11. Son of man to be lifted up. John
3:14.
12. Believe and live. John 3:15.
13. God gave to save. John 3:16, 17.
THE LESSON
2.
Why did Jesus not trust Himself
to those who so readily appeared to
believe on Him? John 2:24, 25.
Introduction
Exalted Themes for Meditation:
"We
are finite, but we are to have a sense of the
infinite.. . . The thought that we are in
God's world, in the presence of the great
Creator of the universe, who made man
after His own likeness, will lead the mind
into broad, exalted fields for meditation.
The thought that God's eye is watching
over us, that He loves us, and cared so
much for us as to give His dearly beloved
Son to redeem us, that we might not
miserably perish, is a great one; and he
who opens his heart to the acceptance and
contemplation of themes like these, will
never be satisfied with trivial, sensational
subjects."-Fundamentals
of Christian Ed-
ucation,
pages 164, 165.
Growing Recognition of Jesus
1. What effect did Christ's miracles
have on many in Jerusalem? John
2:23.
3.
How did a Jewish ruler express
the general awareness of Jesus' un-
usual powers? John 3:1, 2.
NOTE.
-"He [Nicodemus] greatly desired
an interview with Jesus, but shrank from
seeking Him openly. It would be too hu-
miliating for a ruler of the Jews to acknowl-
edge himself in sympathy with a teacher
as yet so little known. And should his visit
come to the knowledge of the Sanhedrin, it
would draw upon him their scorn and de-
nunciation. He resolved upon a secret in-
terview, excusing this on the ground that
if he were to go openly, others might fol-
low his example. Learning by special in-
quiry the Saviour's place of retirement
in
[ 10]
the Mount of Olives, he waited until the
city was hushed in slumber, and then sought
Him."—The Desire of Ages,
page 168.
The New Birth
4.
Instead of acknowledging the
faint praise given by Nicodemus, what
basic requisite for salvation did Jesus
enunciate? John 3:3.
NOTE.—"It is impossible for us, of our-
selves, to escape from the pit of sin in
which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil,
and we cannot change them. . . . Educa-
tion, culture, the exercise of the will, human
effort, all have their proper sphere, but
here they are powerless. They may produce
an outward correctness of behavior, but
they cannot change the heart; they cannot
purify the springs of life. There must be a
power working from within, a new life
from above, before men can be changed
from sin to holiness. That power is Christ.
His grace alone can quicken the lifeless
faculties of the soul, and attract it to God,
to holiness."—Steps
to Christ,
1956 and
pocket eds., p. 18.
5.
How did the divine Teacher cor-
rect the literalistic thinking of the
questioner? John 3:4, 5.
NoTE.—"Jesus virtually says to Nicode-
mus: It is not controversy that will help
your case: it is not arguments that will
bring light to the soul. You must have a
new heart, or you cannot discern the king-
dom of heaven. It is not greater evidence
that will bring you into a right position,
but new purposes, new springs of action.
You must be born again. Until this change
takes place, making all things new, the
strongest evidences that could be presented
would be useless. The want is in your own
heart; everything must be changed, or you
cannot see the kingdom of
God."—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
page 368.
6.
What clear distinction between
the physical and the spiritual did Je-
sus indicate? John 3:6.
7.
How did the Master illustrate
the mysterious nature of the Holy
Spirit's operations? John 3:7, 8.
NoTE.—"Like the wind, which is invisible,
yet the effects of which are plainly seen and
felt, is the Spirit of God in its work upon
the human heart. That regenerating power,
which no human eye can see, begets a new
life in the soul; it creates a new being in the
image of God. While the work of the Spirit
is silent and imperceptible, its effects are
manifest. If the heart has been renewed by
the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness
to the
fact."—Steps to Christ,
page 57.
The Divine Explanation
8.
With what question did Nicode-
mus reveal both his ignorance and his
interest? John 3:9.
9.
After expressing surprise at His
visitor's question, with what declara-
tion and query did Jesus confront
him? John 3:10-12.
NOTE.-"If Nicodemus could not receive
Christ's teaching, illustrating the work of
grace upon the heart, how could he com-
prehend the nature of His glorious heavenly
kingdom? Not discerning the nature of
Christ's work on earth, he could not under-
stand His work in heaven."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 173.
10.
What unique qualification did
Jesus have for making His pronounce-
ment? John 3:13.
God's Son Sent to Save
11.
With what illustration did Je-
sus refer to His own intended sacri-
fice? John 3:14.
NOTE.—"Here was ground with which
Nicodemus was familiar. The symbol of the
uplifted serpent made plain to him the Sav-
iour's mission. . . . It was a symbol of
Christ. . . .
"There are thousands today who need to
learn the same truth that was taught to
Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent.. . .
"Like Nicodemus, we must be willing to
enter into life in the same way as the chief
of sinners. Than Christ, 'there is none other
name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved.' Acts 4:12."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 174, 175.
12.
What reason did Jesus give for
His being lifted up? John 3:15.
NOTE.
-"All
who have ever lived upon
the earth have felt the deadly sting of 'that
old serpent, called the devil, and Satan.'
Revelation 12:9. The fatal effects of sin can
be removed only by the provision that God
has made. The Israelites saved their lives
by looking upon the uplifted serpent. That
look implied faith. They lived because they
believed God's word, and trusted in the
means provided for their recovery. So the
sinner may look to Christ, and live. He re-
ceives pardon through faith in the atoning
sacrifice. Unlike the inert and lifeless sym-
bol, Christ has power and virtue in Himself
to heal the repenting
sinner."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 431.
13.
In what immortal words does
the evangelist record the story of
divine love and its purpose for the
world? John 3:16, 17.
NoTa.—"To believe in Christ merely as
the Saviour of the world can never bring
healing to the soul. The faith that is unto
salvation is not a mere assent to the truth
of the gospel. True faith is that which re-
ceives Christ as a personal Saviour. God
gave His only-begotten Son, that I, by be-
lieving in Him, 'should not perish, but have
everlasting life.' John 3:16. When I come
to Christ, according to His word, I am to
believe that I receive His saving grace. The
life that I now live, I am to 'live by the
faith of the Son of God, who loved
me,
and
gave Himself for
me.'
Galatians 2
:20."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 62.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
How bold am I in my confession of
Christ? John 3:1, 2.
2.
Have I truly been born from above?
John 3:3-8.
3.
Have I looked, and do I now live?
John 3:14, 15.
Lesson 4, for July 22, 1961
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 4:1-30, 39-42.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall
never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water
springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 183-195 (chapter 19); "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on Lesson Scripture; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To
deepen our belief in Christ, the Giver of living water.
[12]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND
RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-12.
Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; read
from Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading
Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Check Here
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I.
At Jacob's Well
1.
Jesus passes through Samaria.
John 4:1-4.
2.
Jesus meets a Samaritan woman.
John 4:5-8.
3.
Samaritan suspicion of the Jew.
John 4:9.
II. The Giver of Living Water
4.
Jesus arouses interest and desire.
John 4:10.
5.
The woman's questions. John
4:11, 12.
6. Jesus' answers. John 4:13, 14.
7. The woman's response. John 4 : 15.
III. The Messiah Revealed
8. A sinful life unveiled. John 4:16-18.
9. A prophet revealed. John 4:19.
10. True worship defined. John
4:20-24.
11. Interest in Messiah awakened. John
4:25.
12. Messiah identified. John 4:26.
IV. Effective Witness
13. Effective personal testimony. John
4:28-30.
14. The efficacy of personal acquaint-
ance with Jesus. John 4:39-42.
THE LESSON
hand, and with . . . [John's] disciples on
the other. The decision to leave Judea was
prompted, not by fear, but by prudence (cf.
Matt. 10:23)."-The
Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
on John 4:3.
2.
Under what circumstances did
Jesus ask water of a Samaritan
woman? John 4:5-8.
Introduction
Christ's Personal Ministry Continues:
"The Saviour is still carrying forward the
same work as when He proffered the water
of life to the woman of Samaria. Those who
call themselves His followers may despise
and shun the outcast ones; but no circum-
stance of birth or nationality, no condition
of life, can turn away His love from the
children of men. To every soul, however
sinful, Jesus says, If thou hadst asked of
Me, I would have given thee living water."
-The Desire of Ages,
page. 194.
At Jacob's Well
1. For what reasons did Jesus pass
through Samaria? John 4:1-4.
NOTE.
-"The reason for this temporary
withdrawal from Judea was to avoid use-
less conflict with the Pharisees on the one
NOTE.
-"The
hatred between Jews and
Samaritans prevented the woman from of-
fering a kindness to Jesus; but the Saviour
was seeking to find the key to this heart,
and with the tact born of divine love, He
asked, not offered, a favor. The offer of a
kindness might have been rejected; but
trust awakens trust. The King of heaven
came to this outcast soul, asking a service
at her hands."-The
Desire of Ages,
page
184.
3.
How did the woman respond to
the unusual request? John 4:9.
[ 13 ]
BELOW THE OUTWARD SIN JESUS
ALWAYS SAW THE SOUL TO BE SAVED.
The Giver of Living Water
4.
What advantage did Jesus take
of the opportunity given Him to teach
a spiritual truth? John 4:10.
NOTE.-"It
is of little use to try to reform
others by attacking what we may regard as
wrong habits. Such effort often results in
more harm than good. In His talk with the
Samaritan woman, instead of disparaging
Jacob's well, Christ presented something
better. . . .
"This is an illustration of the way in
which we are to work. We must offer men
something better than that which they
possess, even the peace of Christ, which
passeth all understanding."—The
Ministry
of Healing,
pages 156, 157.
5.
With what questions did the
woman reveal her newly aroused in-
terest? John 4:11, 12.
6.
With what spiritual revelation
did Jesus meet this interest? John
4:13, 14.
NoTE.—"The water that Christ referred
to was the revelation of His grace in His
word; His Spirit, His teaching, is as a satis-
fying fountain to every soul. Every other
source to which they shall resort will prove
unsatisfying. But the word of truth is as
cool streams, represented as the waters of
Lebanon, which are always satisfying. In
Christ is fullness of joy forevermore."—
Testimonies to Ministers,
page 390.
7.
What desire was expressed by
the woman? John 4:15.
The Messiah Revealed
8.
At this juncture, how did Jesus
reveal to the woman His knowledge
of her condition? John 4:16-18.
9.
Of what did this disclosure con-
vince the woman? John 4:19.
NorE.—"The listener trembled. A mys-
terious hand was turning the pages of her
life history, bringing to view that which
she had hoped to keep forever hidden. Who
was He that could read the secrets of her
life? There came to her thoughts of eter-
nity, of the future judgment, when all that
is now hidden shall be revealed. In its light,
conscience was awakened."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 187, 188.
10.
In response to the woman's
acknowledgment, what guidance did
Jesus give concerning genuine wor-
ship? John 4:20-24.
NorE.—"Religion is not to be confined to
external forms and ceremonies. The religion
that comes from God is the only religion
that will lead to God. In order to serve Him
aright, we must be born ,of the divine Spirit.
This will purify the heart and renew the
mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing
and loving God. It will give us a willing
obedience to all His requirements. This is
true worship."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
189.
[ 14 ]
11.
What train of thought did this
arouse in the woman's mind? John
4:25.
12.
What declaration did Jesus
make in response to her thoughts?
John 4:26.
NOTE.—"The plain statement made by
Christ to this woman could not have been
made to the self-righteous Jews. Christ was
far more reserved when He spoke to them.
That which had been withheld from the
Jews, and which the disciples were after-
ward enjoined to keep secret, was revealed
to her. Jesus saw that she would make use
of her knowledge in bringing others to share
His grace."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 190.
Effective Witness
13.
What did Christ's disclosures
and His claim lead the woman to do,
and with what result? John 4:28-30.
NorE.—"This woman represents the work-
ing of a practical faith in Christ. Every true
disciple is born into the kingdom of God as
a missionary. No sooner does he come to
know the Saviour than he desires to make
others acquainted with Him. The saving
and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in
his heart. He who drinks of the living wa-
ter becomes a fountain of life. The receiver
becomes a giver."—The
Ministry of Heal-
ing,
page 102.
14.
For what two reasons did many
of the Samaritans believe in Jesus?
John 4:39-42.
NOTE.—"In the words spoken to the
woman at the well, good seed had been
sown, and how quickly the harvest was re-
ceived. The Samaritans came and heard
Jesus, and believed on Him. Crowding
about Him at the well, they plied Him with
questions, and eagerly received His explana-
tions of many things that had been obscure-
to them. As they listened, their perplexity
began to clear away. They were like a peo-
ple in great darkness tracing up a sudden
ray of light till they had found the day. But
they were not satisfied with this short con-
ference. They were anxious to hear more,
and to have their friends also listen to this
wonderful teacher. They invited Him to
their city, and begged Him to remain with
them. For two days He tarried in Samaria,
and many more believed on Him."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 192.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
How genuine is my thirst for the liv-
ing water? John 4:13-15.
2.
What is the quality of the worship I
offer God? John 4:21-24.
3.
What personal witness to Christ do I
bear? John 4:27-30.
Lesson 5, for July 29, 1961
Jesus and the Impotent Man
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 5:1-29.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Verily, verily,
I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and be-
lieveth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 201-213 (chapter 21); "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on Lesson Scripture; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To help us to know more fully the healing power and the life-giving power
of Jesus.
[ 15
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-6.
Monday: Questions 7-10.
Tuesday: Questions 11-13.
Wednesday: Read from Study
Check Here
Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Miracle at Bethesda
1.
Reputed curative powers of
Bethesda pool. John 5:1-4.
2.
A pitiful case. John 5:5.
3.
Jesus' willingness to heal. John 5:6.
4.
The sick man's impotence. John
5:7.
5.
Jesus' enabling command. John
5:8.
6.
The immediate cure. John 5:9, first
part.
II. The Sabbath Controversy
7.
Cured on a Sabbath. John 5:9, last
part.
8.
The Jews' reaction. John 5:10-12.
9.
The healed man identifies his
Healer. John 5 : 13 -15.
10.
Reasons for Jewish persecution of
Jesus. John 5:16, 18.
III. The Father Works Through the Son
11.
Co-operation between Father and
Son. John 5:17, 19, 20.
12.
Power to resurrect and judge dele-
gated to the Son. John 5:21-23,
25-29.
13.
Assurance to him who hears and be-
lieves. John 5:24.
THE LESSON
the waters, would be healed of whatever
disease he had. Hundreds of sufferers vis-
ited the place; but so great was the crowd
when the water was troubled that they
rushed forward, trampling underfoot men,
women, and children, weaker than them-
selves. Many could not get near the pool.
Many who had succeeded in reaching it
died upon its brink."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 201.
2. For how long had one waiting
invalid been ill? John 5:5.
Introduction
Christ the Healer:
"The Saviour is bend-
ing over the purchase of His blood, saying
with inexpressible tenderness and pity, 'Wilt
thou be made whole?' He bids you arise in
health and peace. Do not wait to feel that
you are made whole. Believe His word, and
it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side
of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting
upon His word you will receive strength."
-The Desire of Ages,
page 203.
The Miracle at Bethesda
1. Why did many sick people visit
the pool of Bethesda? John 5:1-4.
NOTE.-"At
certain seasons the waters of
this pool were agitated, and it was com-
monly believed that this was the result of
supernatural power, and that whoever first
after the troubling of the pool stepped into
3. When Jesus saw this sad case,
what question did He ask the cripple?
John 5:6.
NoTE.-"The sick man was lying on his
mat, and occasionally lifting his head to
gaze at the pool, when a tender, compas-
sionate face bent over him, and the words,
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WE NEED MORE "DOING GOOD" ON THE SABBATH.
Wilt thou be made whole?' arrested his
attention. Hope came to his heart. He felt
that in some way he was to have help."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 202.
4.
How did the invalid reply? John
5:7.
5.
With what inspiring command
did Jesus lead the man to exercise
faith in being healed? John 5:8.
NOTE.—"Jesus does not ask this sufferer
to exercise faith in Him. He simply says,
`Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.' . . .
"Jesus had given him no assurance of
divine help. The man might have stopped
to doubt, and lost his one chance of heal-
ing. But he believed Christ's word, and in
acting upon it he received strength."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 202, 203.
6.
How quick and complete was
the man's cure? John 5:9, first part.
NOTE.—Here was no gradual restoration
to normal health. "Every nerve and muscle
thrills with new life, and healthful action
comes to his crippled limbs. Without ques-
tion he sets his will to obey the command
of Christ, and all his muscles respond to his
will. Springing to his feet, he finds himself
an active
man."—The Desire of Ages,
page
203.
"In like manner you are a sinner. You
cannot atone for your past sins; you can-
not change your heart and make yourself
holy. But God promises to do all this for
you through Christ. You
believe
that prom-
ise. You confess your sins and give yourself
to God. You
will
to serve Him. Just as
surely as you do this, God will fulfill His
word to you. If you believe the promise,—
believe that you are forgiven and cleansed,
—God supplies the fact; you are made
whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic
power to walk when the man believed that
he was healed. It
is
so if you believe it."—
Steps to Christ,
1956 and pocket eds., p. 51.
The Sabbath Controversy
7.
On which day of the week was
the miracle performed? John 5:9, last
part.
NOTE.—"This is the first of seven recorded
Sabbath miracles. . . . [For the others, see
Mark 1:21-28, 29-31; 3:1-6; John 9:1-41;
Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-4.] Now for the first
time Jesus openly challenged the rabbinical
Sabbath regulations. . . . That He did so
when the city was filled with visitors for the
feast, and that He dramatized His rejection
of such traditions by performing a miracle
and publicizing it by having the man carry
his bed, demonstrate the importance He
attached to the question."—The
Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on John
5:9.
8.
What was the Jews' reaction to
this miraculous cure? John 5:10-12.
NoTE.—"These rulers knew well that only
One had shown Himself able to perform
this miracle; but they wished for direct
proof that it was Jesus, that they might
condemn Him as a Sabbathbreaker. In their
judgment He had not only broken the law
in healing the sick man on the Sabbath, but
had committed sacrilege in bidding him
bear away his
bed."—The Desire of Ages,
page 204.
[ 17 ]
9.
How did the restored man learn
the identity of his Healer? John 5:
13-15.
NoTE.—"Sin
no more.
Or, 'do not go on
sinning.' Jesus directed the man's mind
from his physical well-being to his need of
spiritual hygiene. His response at Bethesda
to Jesus' injunction, 'Rise, take up thy bed,
and walk,' had been one of faith, the be-
ginning of spiritual as well as physical
health. Now Jesus' further admonition, 'Sin
no more,' implied both that his former life
had been one of sin (see DA 202) and that
those sins were forgiven."—The
Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on John
5:14.
10.
For what reasons did the Jews
then persecute Jesus? John 5:16, 18.
NOTE.—"A wise purpose underlay every
act of Christ's life on earth. Everything
He did was important in itself and in its
teaching. Among the afflicted ones at the
pool He selected the worst case upon whom
to exercise His healing power, and bade the
man carry his bed through the city in order
to publish the great work that had been
wrought upon him. This would raise the
question of what it was lawful to do on the
Sabbath, and would open the way for Him
to denounce the restrictions of the Jews in
regard to the Lord's day, and to declare
their traditions void."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 206.
The Father Works Through the Son
11.
What defense of His actions
did Jesus offer? John 5:17, 19, 20.
NorE.—"Jesus claimed equal rights with
God in doing a work equally sacred, and of
the same character with that which engaged
the Father in heaven. But the Pharisees
were still more incensed. He had not only
broken the law, according to their under-
standing, but in calling God 'His own Fa-
ther' had declared Himself equal with God.
John 5:18, R.V. . . .
"Jesus repelled the charge of blasphemy.
My authority, He said, for doing the work
of which you accuse Me, is that I am the
Son of God, one with Him in nature, in
will, and in purpose."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 207, 208.
12.
To what two great powers did
Jesus then lay claim? John 5:21-23,
25-29.
NoTE.—By virtue of His Sonship, Jesus
has the power to quicken the dead, and the
authority to judge all men. "The Father
has given into the hands of the Son the
successful accomplishment of the work of
redemption. The Father has not become
man, He has not given His life to save man;
but the Son, who did become man and gave
His life for the human race, is the rightful
One to judge those who have rejected Him.
He alone knows the full power of tempta-
tion, He alone has borne the sins of the
world."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on John 5:22.
13.
What vital promise does Jesus
give to him who believingly hears His
word? John 5:24.
NOTE.-"With
the rich promises of the Bi-
ble before you, can you give place to doubt?
Can you believe that when the poor sinner
longs to return, longs to forsake his sins, the
Lord sternly withholds him from coming
to His feet in repentance? Away with such
thoughts! Nothing can hurt your own soul
more than to entertain such a conception of
our heavenly Father. He hates sin, but He
loves the sinner, and He gave Himself in the
person of Christ, that all who would might
be saved and have eternal blessedness in
the kingdom of
glory."—Steps to Christ,
page 54.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
How ardently do I desire deliverance
from my sins? John 5:5-9.
2.
Do my ideas of Sabbathkeeping har-
monize with Christ's? John 5:10-16.
3.
In which resurrection shall I have
part? John 5:25-29.
4.
How effectively do I hear and believe
Christ's word? John 5:24.
[18]
Lesson 6, for August 5, 1961
Jesus, the Bread of Life
LESSON SCRIPTURE: John 6.
MEMORY VERSE: "And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life: he that
cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never
thirst." John 6:35.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 364-394 (chapters 39-41); "The Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Lesson Scripture; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Dictionary."
AIM: To lead us to Christ, the Bread of Life and the Supplier of all our needs.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-10; read
further from Study Helps.
Check
Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14; read
further from Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Introduction
John's Methods:
The sixth chapter of
John's Gospel provides an excellent illustra-
tion of the evangelist's approach to his
Master's ministry. Although he records con-
crete events, he does not concentrate upon
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Jesus Feeds a Hungry Multitude
1.
A
multitude follows Jesus. John
6:1-4.
2.
Jesus miraculously feeds the multi-
tude. John 6:5-13.
3.
The people believe Jesus to be a
IV.
prophet. John 6:14.
II. Jesus Sought From False Motives
4.
Jesus avoids the kingmakers.
John 6:15.
5.
Jesus analyzes the motives of those
who seek Him. John 6:22-26.
6.
Jesus' counsel to the materially
minded. John 6:27.
Sincere and Skeptical Questions
7.
A practical question. John 6:28.
8.
Jesus' reply. John 6:29.
9.
Skeptical questions. John 6:30, 31.
10.
Jesus turns His questioners' minds
to spiritual food. John 6:32, 33.
The Living Bread From Heaven
11.
Desire aroused. John 6:34.
12.
Jesus, the Bread of Life, satisfies
the hungry. John 6:35, 48-51, 58.
13.
The Jews reject this Bread of Life.
John 6:41, 43, 52, 60, 66.
14.
The Twelve, except Judas, remain
loyal. John 6:67-71.
THE LESSON
their material details, but rather turns to
dwell upon their theological and spiritual
significance. In this chapter, for instance,
he uses nine verses (5-13) to tell of the
feeding of about five thousand men, then
devotes fifty verses (22-71) to the crisis
which arose from Christ's insistence that
[ 19 ]
He was the living Bread of whom all must
eat. Those who study the fourth Gospel
should take special note of this unique ap-
proach, and be guided by the theological
conclusions John draws from the historical
events that he records.
Jesus Feeds a Hungry Multitude
1.
Why did a great multitude fol-
low the Master? John 6:1-4.
2.
To meet the company's immedi-
ate physical need, what miracle did
Jesus perform? John 6:5-13.
NOTE.—"In Christ's act of supplying the
temporal necessities of a hungry multitude
is wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for
all His workers. Christ received from the
Father; He imparted to the disciples; they
imparted to the multitude; and the people
to one another. So all who are united to
Christ will receive from Him the bread of
life, the heavenly food, and impart it to oth-
ers."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 369.
3.
To what conclusion did the peo-
ple, come when they saw this miracle
take place? John 6:14.
NOTE.—"The
readiness with which the
common people of Galilee were willing to
accept Jesus as the Messiah indicates both
how general was the expectation of a Sav-
iour and how great the popularity of Jesus
had now become. He had already shown
Himself to be a leader of men; they knew
He could heal any who might be wounded
in battle; now they saw that He could fur-
nish an army with food ! Surely such a
leader would be invincible in battle against
the Roman oppressor. He must be the
Messiah
!"—The Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary,
on John 6:14.
Jesus Sought From False Motives
4.
When Jesus saw the people's in-
tentions, what did He do? John 6:15.
ARE 'WE IN DANGER OF BEING " BREAD MO FISH "CHRISTIANS,
FOLLOWING BECAUSE OF OUR POSITION, OUR PRIDE,OUR
SALARY, OR OUR SELF-GRATIFICATION?
5.
When the people pursued Jesus,
what analysis of their motives did the
Master make? John 6:22-26.
NOTE.—"When
Christ forbade the peo-
ple to declare Him king, He knew that a
turning point in His history was reached.
Multitudes who desired to exalt Him to
the throne today would turn from Him to-
morrow. The disappointment of their self-
ish ambition would turn their love to
hatred, and their praise to curses. Yet
knowing this, He took no measures to avert
the crisis. . . . The deep spiritual teaching
in the miracle of the loaves had not been
comprehended. This was to be made plain.
And this new revelation would bring with
it a closer test."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
383.
6.
What spiritual counsel did Je-
sus give to those who sought Him?
John 6:27.
Sincere and Skeptical Questions
7.
What apparently earnest ques-
tion did the inquirers then ask? John
6:28.
[20]
8.
How did Jesus reveal their most
urgent need? John 6:29.
NoTE.—"The words of Jesus here pre-
sent the basic truth of salvation by faith.
To believe . . . is the primary act of the
Christian life; no other act can truly be a
`work of God,' a deed desired by God and
therefore pleasing to Him, unless faith pre-
cedes it, because only by faith does a man
come into true relationship to God (see
Heb.
11:6)."—The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
on John 6:29.
9.
What skeptical questions did the
people then ask? John 6:30, 31.
gives our sins, and that we are complete
in Him. It is by beholding His love, by
dwelling upon it, by drinking it in, that
we are to become partakers of His nature.
What food is to the body, Christ must be
to the soul. Food cannot benefit us unless
we eat it, unless it becomes a part of our
being. So Christ is of no value to us if we
do not know Him as a personal Saviour. A
theoretical knowledge will do us no good.
We must feed upon Him, receive Him into
the heart, so that His life becomes our life:
His love, His grace, must be assimilated."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 389.
13. How were Jesus' claims re-
ceived by the Jews? John 6:41, 43,
52, 60, 66.
NoTE.—On the previous day the Saviour
had fed over 5,000 souls, using only "five
barley loaves, and two small fishes." To
demand a sign, "that we may see, and
believe Thee," showed a hardened skepti-
cism that no sign would remove.
10.
How did Jesus turn the minds
of His audience to the Source of all
spiritual food? John 6:32, 33.
The Living Bread From Heaven
11.
What desire did Christ's words
arouse in the minds of some of His
hearers? John 6:34.
NoTE.—"Still thinking that it was tempo-
ral food to which Jesus referred, some of
His hearers exclaimed, 'Lord, evermore give
us this bread.' Jesus then spoke plainly:
am the Bread of
Life.'"—The Desire of
Ages,
page 386.
12.
What did Jesus plainly declare
Himself to be? John 6:35, 48-51, 58.
NOTE.—"To eat the flesh and drink the
blood of Christ is to receive Him as a
personal Saviour, believing that He for-
NoTE.—"Because they were too vain and
self-righteous to receive reproof, too world-
loving to accept a life of humility, many
turned away from Jesus. Many are still
doing the same thing. Souls are tested to-
day as were those disciples in the syna-
gogue at Capernaum."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 392.
14. What magnificent response did
Peter make on behalf of the Twelve?
Whom did Jesus exclude from such
loyalty? John 6:67-71.
Nora.—"Although Peter doubtless did
not yet comprehend fully the spiritual na-
ture of Christ's kingdom, nevertheless his
declaration here shows that he had begun
to have insight into the fact that the words
Jesus had spoken were indeed the key to
eternal spiritual life."—The.
Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on John 6:68.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation •
1.
Do I believe Jesus can supply all my
needs, and do I live by the light of this
belief? John 6:5-13.
2.
Am I laboring "for the meat which
perisheth," or for that which gives ever-
lasting life? John 6:27.
3.
Am I feeding on the living Bread, on
Christ the Word? John 6:35, 51, 63.
4.
How loyal am I to Christ in my daily
life? John 6:66-69.
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Check Here
Lesson 7, for August 12, 1961
Jesus and the Blind Man
LESSON SCRIPTURE: John 9.
MEMORY VERSE: "I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the
night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the
Light of the world." John 9:4, 5.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 463-475 (chapter
51);
"The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Lesson Scripture; "The Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Dictionary!'
AIM: To know personally Jesus as the Light of the world.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Jesus Gives Sight to a Blind Man
1.
A man blind from birth. John
9:1-3.
2.
Jesus, the Light of the world.
John 9:4, 5.
3.
Blind man's sight restored.
John 9:6, 7.
II. Official Opposition
4.
Pharisees criticize Jesus' healing act.
John 9 : 13-16.
5.
The healed man's conviction. John
9:17.
6.
The parents' timid testimony. John
9:18-23.
III.
Stanch Under Interrogation
7.
The healed man refuses to be in-
timidated. John 9:24-27.
8.
The Jews' ignorance of Jesus.
John 9:28, 29.
9.
The restored man's right estimate of
Jesus. John 9:30-33.
10.
The Jews excommunicate the man.
John 9:34.
IV. Jesus and His New Convert
11.
Jesus questions the healed man.
John 9:35.
12.
Jesus identifies Himself to the man.
John 9:36, 37.
13.
The man believes and worships.
John 9:38.
THE LESSON
prepare to stone Him (verse 59). But Jesus
escapes from their midst and continues His
beneficent ministry. We now meet Him
some time later, in chapter 9, demonstrat-
ing, by giving sight to a man who had
never before possessed it, that He is the
Light of the world. The way in which
John recounts the incident reveals his con-
[22]
Introduction
In John 8 Jesus has revealed Himself to
the critical Jews and Pharisees as the Light
of the world (verse 12), as the Son of God
(verse 19), as the Sinless One (verse 46),
and as being before Abraham (verse 58).
These claims so anger the Jews that they
OUR BIBLE STUDY CAN
TAKE AWAY, AIL
SPIRITUALBLINDNESS.
viction that. the Master will still more
readily enlighten those who are spiritually
blind.
Jesus Gives Sight to a Blind Man
1.
What reason did Jesus give for
a certain man's blindness from birth?
John 9:1-3.
NOTE.-"It
was generally believed by the
Jews that sin is punished in this life. Every
affliction was regarded as the penalty
of some wrongdoing, either of the sufferer
himself or of his parents. It is true that
all suffering results from the transgression
of God's law, but this truth had become
perverted. Satan, the author of sin and all
its results, had led men to look upon dis-
ease and death as proceeding from God,—
as punishment arbitrarily inflicted on ac-
count of sin. . . .
"The belief of the Jews in regard to the
relation of sin and suffering was held by
Christ's disciples. 'While Jesus corrected
their error, He did not explain the cause
of the man's affliction, but told them what
would be the result. Because of it the
works of God would be made manifest."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 471.
2.
How did Jesus relate Himself to
the challenge of the man's blindness?
John 9:4, 5.
3.
How did Jesus restore the man's
sight? John 9:6, 7.
Nora.—"The cure could be wrought only
by the power of the Great Healer, yet
Christ made use of the simple agencies of
nature. While He did not give countenance
to drug medication, He sanctioned the use
of simple and natural remedies."—The
Min-
istry of Healing,
page 233.
"It was evident that there was no healing
virtue in the clay, or in the pool wherein
the blind' man was sent to wash, but that
the virtue was in Christ."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 471.
Official Opposition
4.
What was the central point of
the Pharisees' criticism of the miracle?
John 9:13-16.
NoTE.—"The Pharisees hoped to make Je-
sus out to be -a sinner, and therefore not the
Messiah. They knew not that it was He who
had made the Sabbath and knew all its
obligation, who had healed the blind man.
They appeared wonderfully zealous for
the observance of the Sabbath, yet were
planning murder on that very
day."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 471, 472.
5.
What conviction did the man
have concerning his Healer? John
9:17.
6.
When the parents were ques-
tioned, why did they not answer for
their son? John 9:18-23.
NoTE.—"The parents feared to compro-
mise themselves; for it had been declared
that whoever should acknowledge Jesus
as the Christ should be 'put out of the
synagogue;' that is, should be excluded from
the synagogue for thirty days. . . . The
[ 23 1
great work wrought for their son had
brought conviction to the parents, yet they
answered, 'We know that this is our son:
. . . ask him: he shall speak for himself.'
Thus they shifted all responsibility from
themselves to their son; for they dared not
confess Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
472, 473.
Stanch Under Interrogation
7.
How did the man respond to the
Jews' stern questioning? John 9:24-27.
NoTE.—The healed man refused to be
drawn into dangerous discussion, but was
ready to give the strongest of all possible
testimonies, that based upon personal ex-
perience. He knew the genuineness of the
miracle better than did anyone else, for it
was he who had spent his life in darkness,
and it was he who, thanks to the Great
Physician, could now see. Blessed are we
when we can give a similarly ringing testi-
mony concerning our spiritual sight. "One
thing I know, that, whereas I was blind,
now I see."
8.
What did the Jews rightly judge
concerning the man and ignorantly
misjudge concerning Jesus? John 9:
28, 29.
9.
With what bold declaration did
the man analyze the Healer's relation-
ship to God? John 9:30-33.
NOTE.—"The Lord Jesus knew the ordeal
through which the man was passing, and
He gave him grace and utterance, so that
he became a witness for Christ. He an-
swered the Pharisees in words that were a
cutting rebuke to his questioners. They
claimed to be the expositors of Scripture,
the religious guides of the nation; and
yet
here Was One performing miracles, and
they were confessedly ignorant as to the
source of His power, and as to His char-
acter and claims."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 474.
10.
In what way did the Jews then
discipline the man? John 9:34.
NorE.—When the man was cast out of
the synagogue (compare verse 22) he was
virtually cast into the arms of Christ, so he
lost little and gained much by his excom-
munication. Compare Psalm 27:10.
Jesus and His New Convert
11.
What probing question did the
Master ask of the excommunicated
man? John 9:35.
NoTE.—The critical question for every
man is: Dost thou believe on the Son of
God? The whole of John's Gospel is
written to help men reply in the affirmative.
John 20:31. Those who truly believe will
be saved. John 3:16; Acts 16:31. Those
who refuse to believe will be lost. Mark
16:16.
12.
How did Jesus identify Himself
to the receptive man? John 9:36, 37.
13.
What satisfying response did
the man make to this astounding rev-
elation? John 9:38.
NoTE.—"As a dramatic sequel to the nar-
rative the man whose physical sight was
restored now sees Jesus, the true Light of
the world. He not only rejoices in the light
of the body but sees also with the eyes of
his soul."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary,
on John 9:38.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I bring glory to God by allowing
Christ to work miracles in my life? John
9:1-7.
2.
Am I intimidated by opposition and
public questioning of my faith? John 9:
18-23.
3.
Am I personally able to testify to
Christ's miracle-working power in my life?
John 9:24-34.
[24
7
Lesson 8, for August 19,1961
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 10.
MEMORY VERSE:
"I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of
Mine." John 10:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 476-484 (chapter 52); "Gospel Work-
ers," pages 181-191; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Les-
son Scripture; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To encourage us to follow the Good Shepherd.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1, 2;
begin reading from Study
Helps.
Monday: Questions 3-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; read fur-
Check Here
ther from Study Helps.
Wednesday: Questions 12-14;
read from Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Introduction
Shepherd and Sheep:
"The shepherd's
life of diligence and caretaking, and his
tender compassion for the helpless crea-
tures entrusted to his charge, have been
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Parable
1.
The sheepfold, the shepherd, and
the sheep. John 10:1-5.
2.
The parable not understood. John
10:6.
II. Jesus Explains the Parable
3.
Jesus the Door. John 10:7-9.
4.
Jesus brings the abundant life.
John 10:10.
5.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd. John
10:11, first part.
6.
The Good Shepherd gives His life
for the sheep. John 10:11 (last
part), 15, 17, 18.
7. Differences between the hireling and
the Good Shepherd. John 10:12-14.
8. The Good Shepherd's purpose.
John 10:16.
III. Mixed Reactions to the Teaching
9. Jews divided concerning the teach-
ing. John 10:19-21.
10. Jews appeal for a plain declaration.
John 10:24.
11. Jesus unmasks their skepticism.
John 10:25, 26.
IV. Skepticism and Belief
12. Assurance to those who hear and
follow. John 10:27, 28.
13. Father and Son unitedly protect
the sheep. John 10:29, 30.
14. Extreme reactions to Jesus' teach-
ings. John 10:31, 39-42.
THE LESSON
employed by the inspired writers to il-
lustrate some of the most precious truths
of the gospel. Christ, in His relation to His
people, is compared to a shepherd. After
the Fall He saw His sheep doomed to
perish in the dark ways of sin. To save
[25
]
THE HUNGRY SHEEP LOOK
UP AND ARE NOT FED
1
'
these wandering ones He left the honors
and glories of His Father's house. . . . His
care for the flock is unwearied. He strength-
ens the weak, relieves the suffering, gathers
the lambs in His arms, and carries them
in
His bosom. His sheep love
Him."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
pages 190, 191.
The Parable
1.
What facts concerning shepherds
and sheepfolds did Jesus use to make
clear His relationship to His people?
John 10:1-5.
NOTE.—"The Pharisees had just driven
one from the fold, because he dared to bear
witness to the power of Christ. They had
cut off a soul whom the True Shepherd
was drawing to Himself. In this they had
shown themselves ignorant of the work
committed to them, and unworthy of their
trust as shepherds of the flock. Jesus now
set before them the contrast between them
and the Good Shepherd, and He pointed to
Himself as the real keeper of the Lord's
flock."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 477.
2.
How much of this teaching did
the Master's hearers understand? John
10:6.
NOTE
.—Christ's audience—Pharisees in
particular (John 9:40) and Jews in general
(John 10:19)—understood the material al-
lusions in the parable, but were unable or
unwilling to grasp the spiritual implications
of His words. Jesus, therefore, in verses
7-18, interprets the main features of His
teaching.
Jesus Explains the Parable
3.
In the first point of His expla-
nation, what does Jesus declare Him-
self to be? John 10:7-9.
NOTE.—"Christ
is the door to the fold of
God. Through this door all His children,
from the earliest times, have found en-
DO WE HAVE THE SHEPHERD'S HEART,OR ARE WE HIRELINGS?
06
,
-8
trance. In Jesus, as shown in types, as
shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the
revelation of the prophets, as unveiled in
the lessons given to His disciples, and in
the miracles wrought for the sons of men,
they have beheld 'the Lamb of God, which
taketh away the sin of the world' (John
1:29), and through Him they are brought
within the fold of His grace."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 477.
4.
What further explanation re-
veals the life-and-death nature of the
Saviour's mission? John 10:10.
NOTE.—"Jesus'
miracles of physical heal:
ing gave an abundant physical life to those
whose life forces were ebbing. But physical
restoration was by no means the complete
fulfillment of Jesus' mission. Man also has
intellectual and spiritual life, which must
also be made alive and abundant, for 'man
doth not live by bread only, but by every
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of
the Lord' (Deut. 8:3). Important as the
physical and the intellectual aspects of a
well-rounded life are, no life is fully com-
plete unless the spiritual nature is nur-
tured."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on John 10:10.
5.
What beautiful description does
Jesus give of Himself? John 10:11,
first part.
26
6.
What is the Good Shepherd will-
ingly prepared to do? John 10:11
(last part), 15, 17, 18.
NOTE.—"While as a member of the hu-
man family He [Jesus] was mortal, as God
He was the fountain of life for the world.
He could have withstood the advances of
death, and refused to come under its do-
minion; but voluntarily He laid down His
life, that He might bring life and immortal-
ity to light. He bore the sin of the world,
endured its curse, yielded up His life as a
sacrifice, that men might not eternally die."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 484.
7.
How does Jesus, the Good Shep-
herd, differ from hirelings? John 10:
12-14.
8.
How does the Shepherd reveal
the universal nature of His mission?
John 10:16.
NOTE.—This verse underlines the breadth
of Christ's compassion. He gave His life for
all men, irrespective of their race or creed
(1 John 2:2), and intends that all shall be
gathered into one common family—for
"there shall be one flock [rather than "fold"
(see R.S.V.)], one shepherd."
Mixed Reactions to the Teaching
9.
What two reactions did Jesus'
discourse arouse among the Jews?
John 10:19-21.
10.
What later request shows that
His hearers, though skeptical, under-
stood the claims that Jesus made?
John 10:24.
11.
In what plain language does Je-
sus unmask His questioners' unbelief?
John 10:25, 26.
NOTE.—The Master did not directly reply
to the Jews' request, "If Thou be the Christ,
tell us plainly," for He had already told
them enough while explaining the parable
of the Good Shepherd. If they did not be-
lieve from what they had already seen and
heard, He knew they would not be con-
vinced by any further declaration He might
add. He also knew they were not His
sheep, since they refused to follow Him as
their Shepherd.
Skepticism and Belief
12.
With what firm assurance does
the Good Shepherd encourage His
trustful sheep? John 10:27, 28.
NorE.—"The soul that has given himself
to Christ is more precious in His sight than
the whole world. The Saviour would have
passed through the agony of Calvary that
one might be saved in His kingdom. He
will never abandon one for whom He has
died. Unless His followers choose to leave
Him, He will hold them fast."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 483.
13.
On what basis does the Shep-
herd give such a positive assurance to
His sheep? John 10:29, 30.
NoTE.—"Jesus asserted His unity with the
Father in will, purpose, and objectives. The
Father was behind the words and actions
of Jesus. Beyond that the words ["I and
My Father are one"] carried the implica-
tion of Jesus' close relationship with the
Father."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on John 10:30.
14.
What mixed reception was ac-
corded the Saviour's words and min-
istry? John 10:31, 39-42.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Does my conduct show that I belong
to the Good Shepherd? John 10:1-6.
2.
Am I enjoying the abundant life that
Christ's sacrifice has made available to me?
John 10:7-18.
3.
What am I doing to help the "other
sheep" to hear the Shepherd's voice? John
10:16.
[27)
Lesson 9, for August 26, 1961
Jesus and Lazarus
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 11:1-46.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." John 11:25.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 524-542 (chapters 58, 59); "The Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Lesson Scripture; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To reveal Jesus as the only Life-giver.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-8; begin read-
ing Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; read fur-
ther from Study Helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-15; read
from Study Helps.
0
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps; review questions 1-5.
Friday: Review questions 6-15.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Jesus and the Illness of Lazarus
1.
News of Lazarus's illness. John
11:1-3.
2.
Jesus perceives a spiritual opportu-
nity. John 11:4.
3.
Jesus' response to the news con-
cerning Lazarus. John 11:5, 6, 11.
4.
The disciples' failure to understand
the Master's intention. John
11:12, 13.
5.
Jesus removes the misunderstand-
ing. John 11:14,
15.
II. Jesus and Martha
6.
Martha's confidence in Jesus'
power.
John 11:20-22.
7.
Jesus encourages and guides
Martha's faith and understanding.
John 11:23-26.
8. Martha's confession of faith.
John 11:27.
III. Jesus and the Two Sisters
9. Mary meets Jesus. John 11:28,
29, 32.
10. Jesus shares in the common sorrow.
John 11:33-37.
11. Jesus prepares Martha for the
miracle. John 11:38-40.
IV. The Resurrection of Lazarus and,
Its Results
12. Jesus' purposeful public prayer.
John 11:41, 42.
13. Lazarus is raised. John 11:43, 44.
14.
Effects of the miracle. John 11:45,
46, 53; 12:9-11, 17, 18.
15. Proof of the resurrection of the just.
John 5:25.
THE LESSON
Introduction
through sin is restored; for He has life in
Himself to quicken whom He will. He is
The Resurrection and the Life:
"To the invested with the right to give immortality.
believer, Christ is the resurrection and the The life that He laid down in humanity, He
life. In our Saviour the life that was lost takes up again, and gives to humanity. 'I
[ 28 1
CHRIST'S RESURRECTION HOPE \
\\\\\\--
am come,' He said, 'that they might have
life, and that they might have it more
abundantly.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
pages
786, 787.
Jesus and the Illness of Lazarus
1.
How did Jesus learn that one of
His special friends was seriously ill?
John 11:1-3.
NOTE.—"At the home of Lazarus, Jesus
had often found rest. . . . Here He found
a sincere welcome, and pure, holy friend-
ship. Here He could speak with simplicity
and perfect freedom, knowing that His
words would be understood and treas-
ured. . . .
"Lazarus was stricken with sudden ill-
ness, and his sisters sent to the Saviour,
saying, 'Lord, behold, he whom Thou low-
est is sick.' • .. They thought that He would
immediately respond to their message, and
be with them as soon as He could reach
Bethany."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 524-
526.
2.
What spiritual opportunity did
Jesus perceive in this situation? John
11:4.
NoTE.—"That is, glory would accrue to
the name of God as a
result
of the sickness
and death of Lazarus. God delights to take
the devices of the enemy and overrule them
for purposes of mercy in behalf of 'them
that love' Him (Rom. 8:28; DA 471)."—
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary,
on John 11:4.
3.
How did Jesus respond to the
news that was sent Him? John 11:5,
6, 11.
NoTE.—"The delay was for a purpose
known to Jesus but unknown to the anxious
family in Bethany. If Jesus permitted Laz-
arus to fall under the dominion of death, it
would be possible for Him to demonstrate
His divinity and to give irrefutable evidence
that He was indeed the resurrection and the
"NEITHER DEATH,NOR LIFE ...SHALLBE ABLE 10
3061
-
9
SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD." Romans 8:38,39.
life. By the miracle of raising Lazarus to
life Jesus aimed to give crowning evidence
to the disbelieving Jews that He was the
Messiah, the Saviour of the world."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on John 11:6.
4.
When the disciples heard their
Master's comments, to what mistaken
conclusion did they come? John 11:
12, 13.
5.
How did Jesus remove their mis-
understanding? John 11:14, 15.
Jesus and Martha
6.
When the dead man's sister,
Martha, met the Master, how did she
express her confidence in His super-
natural power? John 11:20-22.
NoTE.—"Martha hastened to meet Jesus,
her heart agitated by conflicting emotions.
In His expressive face she read the same
tenderness and love that had always been
there. Her confidence in Him was un-
broken, but she thought of her dearly loved
brother, whom Jesus also had loved. With
grief surging in her heart because Christ
[29]
had not come before, yet with hope that
even now He would do something to com-
fort them, she said, 'Lord, if Thou hadst
been here, my brother had not died.' . . .
"But looking into that face of love, she
added, 'I know, that even now, whatso-
ever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give
it Thee.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
pages 529,
530.
7.
How did Jesus use the opportu-
nity thus opened to Him? John 11:
23-26.
NOTE.—"Christ is life itself. He who
passed through death to destroy him that
had the power of death is the Source of all
vitality. There is balm in Gilead, and
a
Physician there. Christ endured an agoniz-
ing death under the most humiliating cir-
cumstances that we might have life. He
gave up His precious life that He might
vanquish death. But He rose from the
tomb, and the myriads of angels who came
to behold Him take up the life He had laid
down heard His words of triumphant joy
as He stood above Joseph's rent sepulcher
proclaiming: 'I am the resurrection, and
the
life.'"—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 230.
8.
What glorious confession of
faith then fell from Martha's lips?
John 11:27.
NOTE.—"She did not comprehend in all
their significance the words spoken by
Christ, but she confessed her faith in His
divinity, and her confidence that He was
able to perform whatever it pleased Him to
do."—The Desire of Ages,
page 530.
Jesus and the Two Sisters
9.
What did Mary do on hearing
of the Master's arrival? John 11:28,
29, 32.
10.
What effect did the common
sorrow, have on Jesus? John 11:33-37.
NoTE.—"It was not only because of the
scene before Him that Christ wept. The
weight of the grief of ages was upon
Him. He saw the terrible effects of the
transgression of God's law. He saw that
in the history of the world, beginning with
the death of Abel, the conflict between
good and evil had been unceasing. Looking
down the years to come, He saw the suf-
fering and sorrow, tears and death, that
were to be the lot of men. His heart was
pierced with the pain of the human family
of all ages and in all lands. The woes of
the sinful race were heavy upon His soul,
and the fountain of His tears was broken
up as He longed to relieve all their dis-
tress."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 534.
11.
How did Jesus seek to prepare
the sisters for the miracle He was
about to perform? John 11:38-40.
The Resurrection of Lazarus and
Its Results
12.
Why did Jesus publicly pray
before performing the miracle? John
11:41, 42.
NoTE.—"In all that He did, Christ was
co-operating with His Father. Ever He had
been careful to make it evident that He did
not work independently; it was by faith
and prayer that He wrought His miracles.
Christ desired all to know His relationship
with His Father."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 536.
13• How did the dead man respond
to the Life-giver's command? John
11:43, 44.
NOTE.—"His voice, clear and penetrat-
ing, pierces the ear of the dead. As He
speaks, divinity flashes through humanity.
In His face, which is lighted up by the glory
of God, the people see the assurance of His
power. . . .
"There is a stir in the silent tomb, and
he who was dead stands at the door of the
sepulcher. . . . Lazarus is set free, and
stands before the company, not as one ema-
[ 30 ]
ciated from disease, and with feeble, totter-
ing limbs, but as a man in the prime of
life, and in the vigor of a noble manhood.
His eyes beam with intelligence and with
love for his Saviour. He casts himself in
adoration at the feet of Jesus."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 536.
14. What varied effects did the
raising of Lazarus have on those who
witnessed it or heard of it? John 11:
45, 46, 53; 12:9-11, 17, 18.
NOTE.—"Many who witnessed the resur-
rection of Lazarus were led to believe on
Jesus. But the hatred of the priests against
Him was intensified. They had rejected all
lesser evidence of His divinity, and they
were only enraged at this new miracle. The
dead had been raised in the full light of
day, and before a crowd of witnesses. No
artifice could explain away such evidence.
For this very reason the enmity of the
priests grew deadlier. They were more than
ever determined to put a stop to Christ's
work."—The Desire of Ages,
page 537.
15. Of what fact was the resurrec-
tion of Lazarus proof? John 5:25.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Does Jesus love to visit my home as
He did the one in Bethany? John 11:1-S.
2.
Can I sincerely repeat Martha's con-
fession? John 11:27.
3.
If I die, shall I be among those who
will respond to Christ's first resurrecting
call? John 11:43, 44.
4.
Has this study of the resurrection of
Lazarus deepened my understanding of my
Lord's divinity? John 11:45, 46.
Lesson 10, for September 2, 1961
Jesus and the Last Supper
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 13:1-35.
MEMORY VERSE:
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know
that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34, 35.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 642-661 (chapters 71, 72); "Evange-
lism," pages 273-278; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," vol. 5,
pp. 532-537, and on Lesson Scripture; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dic-
tionary."
AIM:
To help us to perceive and to respond to the spirit of humility and service
revealed by Jesus during the Last Supper.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon:
General survey.
,
from Study Helps.
Sunday:
Introduction; Questions 1-3.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
0
Monday:
Questions 4-7.
Helps.
Tuesday:
Questions 8-11.
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
0
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
31
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Master as Servant
1.
Jesus loves His own. John 13:1.
2.
Judas decides to betray his Master.
John 13:2.
3.
The Master serves His disciples.
John 13:3-5.
II. Jesus and Peter
4.
Peter protests Jesus' humble service.
John 13:6, 8, first part.
5.
Jesus instructs Peter. John 13:7, 8,
last part.
6.
Peter impulsively surrenders. John
13:9,
10.
7. Jesus applies the lesson. John
13:12-17.
III. Jesus and His Betrayer
8. Jesus reveals knowledge of betrayal.
John 13:11, 18, 19, 21.
9. The disciples seek to share in that
knowledge. John 13:22-25.
10.
Jesus identifies the betrayer. John
13:26.
11.
Judas embarks on the betrayal.
John 13:27-30.
IV. Jesus' Concern for His Own
12. The Father is glorified in the Son.
John 13:31, 32.
13. Jesus gives a new commandment.
John 13:33-35.
THE LESSON
upon the Twelve, who had been with Him
as His own, and who, after His shame and
sorrow and painful usage were over, would
be left to struggle in the world. His thoughts
of what He Himself must suffer were ever
connected with His disciples. He did not
think of Himself. His care for them was
uppermost in His
mind."-The Desire of
Ages,
page 643.
2.
By the time the supper was
ended, what had Judas Iscariot de-
termined to do? John 13:2.
Introduction
Impending Climax:
After the raising of
Lazarus (John 11), events moved swiftly
to their appointed end. The rulers were
resolutely determined to take Christ's life
(John 11:53), but the people welcomed
Him into Jerusalem as King (John 12:12-
18) ; Jesus foresaw the nearness of His
crucifixion (John 12:31-33), and before the
Passover prepared His disciples for His
approaching sacrifice (John 13).
"The whole life of Christ had been a life
of unselfish service. 'Not to be ministered
unto, but to minister' (Matt. 20:28), had
been the lesson of His every act. But not
yet had the disciples learned the lesson. At
this last Passover supper, Jesus repeated
His teaching by an illustration that im-
pressed it forever on their minds and
hearts."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 642.
The Master as Servant
1. When Jesus knew that the time
was near for His return to heaven,
what was the tenor of His feeling to-
ward His followers? John 13:1.
NcrE.-"Knowing all that was before
Him, He might naturally have been over-
whelmed with the thought of His own
humiliation and suffering. But He looked
NoTE.-"Before the Passover Judas had
met a second time with the priests and
scribes, and had closed the contract to de-
liver Jesus into their hands. Yet he after-
ward mingled with the disciples as though
innocent of any wrong, and interested in
the work of preparing for the feast."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 645.
3.
What did Jesus' foreknowledge
lead Him to do? John 13:3-5.
NoTE.-"The disciples made no move to-
ward serving one another. Jesus waited
for a time to see what they would do.
Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from the
table. Laying aside the outer garment that
would have impeded His movements, He
[ 32 ]
SYMBOLS OF THE HIGHER
CLEANSING THROUGH OUR LORD.
took a towel, and girded Himself. With
surprised interest the disciples looked on,
and in silence waited to see what was to
follow. 'After that He poureth water into a
basin, and began to wash the disciples'
feet, and to wipe them with the towel
wherewith He was girded.' This action
opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter
shame and humiliation filled their hearts.
They understood the unspoken rebuke, and
saw themselves in altogether a new light."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 644.
Jesus and Peter
4.
What was Peter's first response
to his Master's self-humiliation? John
13:6, 8, first part.
NOTE.—"The
service which Peter refused
was a type of a higher cleansing. Christ
had come to wash the heart from the stain
of sin. In refusing to allow Christ to wash
his feet, Peter was refusing the higher
cleansing included in the lower. He was
really rejecting his Lord. It is not humiliat-
ing to the Master to allow Him to work for
our purification. The truest humility is to
receive with thankful heart any provision
made in our behalf, and with earnestness do
service for Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 646.
5.
How did Jesus deal with Peter's
protest? John 13:7, 8, last part.
6.
What impulsive surrender did
Peter make on hearing his Master's
words? John 13:9, 10.
NOTE.—"Like
Peter and his brethren, we,
too, have been washed in the blood of
Christ, yet often through contact with evil
the heart's purity is soiled. We must come
to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter
shrank from bringing his soiled feet in con-
tact with the hands of his Lord and Master;
but how often we bring our sinful, polluted
hearts in contact with the heart of Christ !
How grievous to Him is our evil temper,
our vanity and pride! Yet all our infirmity
and defilement we must bring to Him. He
alone can wash us
clean."—The Desire of
Ages,
pages 646, 649.
7.
When the Saviour had served
His disciples, how did He apply the
lesson He had just given? John 13:
12-17.
NorE.—"This ordinance is Christ's ap-
pointed preparation for the sacramental
service. While pride, variance, and strife
for supremacy are cherished, the heart can-
not enter into fellowship with Christ. We
are not prepared to receive the communion
of His body and His blood. Therefore it
was that Jesus appointed the memorial of
His humiliation to be first observed."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 650.
Jesus and His Betrayer
8.
What disturbing knowledge did
Jesus possess? John 13:11, 18, 19, 21.
NoTE.—"Though Jesus knew Judas from
the beginning, He washed his feet. And
the betrayer was privileged to unite with
Christ in partaking of the sacrament. A
long-suffering Saviour held out every in-
ducement for the sinner to receive Him, to
repent, and to be cleansed from the defile-
ment of
sin."—The Desire of Ages,
page 655.
[ 33]
9.
When the Saviour shared this
awful knowledge with His disciples,
what did they want to know? John
13:22-25.
10.
How did Jesus answer the dis-
ciples' questions? John 13:26.
11.
When Judas realized that his
treachery was known to his Master,
how did he act? John 13:27-30.
NOTE.—"Until this step was taken, Judas
had not passed beyond the possibility of
repentance. But when he left the presence
of his Lord and his fellow disciples, the
final decision had been made. He had
passed the boundary line."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 654.
Jesus' Concern for His Own
12.
In contrast to the darkness in
the traitor's soul, what thoughts occu-
pied Christ's attention at this critical
hour? John 13:31, 32.
NOTE.—In His approaching death Jesus
saw His most glorious act and His supreme
opportunity to glorify the Father. He
therefore faced Gethsemane and the cross
not in gloom but in a serenity that spoke
of triumph.
13.
At this, His final meeting with
His disciples before His passion, what
command did Jesus implant in their
minds? John 13:33-35.
NOTE.—"What a wonderful statement;
but, oh, how poorly practiced! In the
church of God today brotherly love is sadly
lacking. Many who profess to love the
Saviour do not love one another. Un-
believers are watching to see if the faith of
professed Christians is exerting a sancti-
fying influence upon their- lives; and they
are quick to discern the defects in char-
acter, the inconsistencies in action."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 550.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
When I share in this ordinance of
humble service, do I consciously emulate
the Master? John 13:1-5.
2.
Am I willing to be completely cleansed
from sin? John 13:6-17.
3.
How often has my conduct betrayed
Christ? John 13:18-30.
4.
Am I observing
the new
command-
ment? John 13:31-35.
Lesson 11, for September 9, 1961
Jesus and His Departure
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
John 14:1-27; 15:1-8, 26, 27; 16:7-14, 33.
MEMORY VERSE:
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have
peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world." John 16:33.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 662-680 (chapter 73); "The Acts of the
Apostles," pages 37-56; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on
Lesson Scriptures; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To
encourage faithful discipleship in view of the Saviour's soon return.
[34
]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Check Here
Wednesday: Read from Study Helps.
Sunday:
Introduction; Questions 1-5.
Thursday:
Read further from
Monday:
Questions 6-10.
Study Helps.
Tuesday:
Questions 11-14.
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Counsel Before Departure
1.
Reasons for comfort. John 14:1, 2.
2.
Hope of reunion. John 14:3.
3.
The way, the truth, and the life.
John 14:4-6.
4.
Usefulness of those who believe.
John 14:12.
5.
Promises of peace. John 14:27;
16:33.
II. The Comforter
6. The Comforter to fill Christ's place.
John 14:16, 18; 16:7.
7.
Communion between the Spirit and
the disciples. John 14:17.
8.
The Spirit as teacher. John 14:25,
26; 16:13, 14.
9.
Effect of the Spirit's instruction.
John 15:26, 27.
10.
The Spirit's threefold work.
John
16:8-11.
III. Union With Christ
11.
The Vine, the Husbandman, and
the branches. John 15:1, 2.
12.
Necessity for abiding in Christ.
John 15:4, 5.
13.
Results of abiding or not abiding.
John 15:6, 7.
14.
Evidence of discipleship. John
15:8.
THE LESSON
NOTE.-"The
object of Christ's departure
was the opposite of what the disciples
feared. It did not mean a final separation.
He was going to prepare a place for them,
that He might come again, and receive
them unto Himself. While He was building
mansions for them, they were to build
characters after the divine similitude."-
The Desire of Ages,
page 663.
2.
What hope of reunion did the
Master give His followers? John 14:3.
Introduction
Parting Conversation:
"In His parting
conversation with His disciples on the night
before the crucifixion the Saviour made no
reference to the suffering that He had en-
dured and must yet endure. He did not
speak of the humiliation that was before
Him, but sought to bring to their minds
that which would strengthen their faith,
leading them to look forward to the joys
that await the overcomer. He rejoiced in
the consciousness that He could and would
do more for His followers than He had
promised; that from Him would flow forth
love and compassion, cleansing the soul
temple, and making men like Him in char-
acter; that His truth, armed with the power
of the Spirit, would go forth conquering
and to conquer."-The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 23.
Counsel Before Departure
1. What reasons for comfort did
Jesus give to His disciples on the eve
of His crucifixion? John 14:1, 2.
NoTE.-"One of the most solemn and yet
most glorious truths revealed in the Bible
is that of Christ's second coming to com-
plete the great work of redemption. . . .
The doctrine of the second advent is the
very keynote of the Sacred Scriptures."-
The Great Controversy,
page 299.
3.
How did Jesus point the way for
those who desire to follow Him? John
14:4-6.
35
HOLY SPIRIT
IN SORROW, SUFF RING,AND LONELINESS:THE COMFORTER
WILL BE SENT IN ANSWER TO THE PRAYER OF FAITH:
3.1-11
NoTE.—"Whatever may be our situation,
we have a Guide to direct our way; what-
ever our perplexities, we have a sure Coun-
selor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement,
or loneliness, we have a sympathizing
Friend. If in our ignorance we make mis-
steps, Christ does not leave us. His voice,
clear and distinct, is heard saying, 'I am the
way, the truth, and the life.' John 14:6."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 173.
4.
What assurance of usefulness did
Jesus give to those whom He was leav-
ing? John 14:12.
NOTE.-"By
this Christ did not mean
that the disciples' work would be of a more
exalted character than His, but that it
would have greater extent. He did not re-
fer merely to miracle working, but to all
that would take place under the working
of the Holy Spirit."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 664.
5.
What promises of peace did the
Saviour give His followers? John 14:
27; 16:33.
The Comforter
6.
How did Jesus plan to fill the
gap between heaven and earth caused
by His going away? John 14:16, 18;
16:7.
NoTE.—"Before offering Himself as the
sacrificial victim, Christ sought for the
most essential and complete gift to bestow
upon His followers, a gift that would bring
within their reach the boundless resources
of grace. . . .
"At all times and in all places, in all
sorrows and in all afflictions, when the out-
look seems dark and the future perplexing,
and we feel helpless and alone, the Com-
forter will be sent in answer to the prayer
of faith."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 668-
670.
7.
How close a relationship is to
exist between the Spirit and Christ's
disciples? John 14:17.
NOTE.-"With
the consecrated worker
for God, in whatever place he may be, the
Holy Spirit abides. The words spoken to
the disciples are spoken also to us. The
Comforter is ours as well as theirs."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 51.
8.
What instruction would the
Spirit impart to those who had been
with Jesus? John 14:25, 26; 16:13, 14.
9.
As a result of the Spirit's in-
struction, what would the disciples be
enabled to do? John 15:26, 27.
NOTE.—"To all who have accepted Christ
as a personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit has
come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, and
witness. The more closely believers have
walked with God, the more clearly and
powerfully have they testified of their
Redeemer's love and of His saving grace."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 49.
10.
To what threefold end would
the Spirit's ministry to the world be
directed? John 16:8-11.
NoTE.—"Having brought conviction of
sin, and presented before the mind the
standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit
withdraws the affections from the things
[ 36 ]
of this earth and fills the soul with a desire
for holiness. 'He will guide you into all
truth' (John 16:13), the Saviour declared.
If men are willing- to be molded, there will
be brought about a sanctification of the
whole being. The Spirit will take the things
of God and stamp them on the soul. By
His power the way of life will be made so
plain that none need err therein."--The
Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 52, 53.
Union With Christ
11.
What work is essential for
fruitfulness? John 15:1, 2.
NoTE.—"Jesus with solemn tenderness ex-
plained the purpose of the Husbandman.
The pruning will cause pain, but it is the
Father who applies the knife. He works
with no wanton hand or indifferent heart.
. . . The Husbandman prunes away the
harmful growth, that the fruit may be
richer and more abundant."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 677.
12.
How only can the Christian
bear fruit? John 15:4, 5.
NOTE.—"The life of the vine becomes the
life of the branch. So the soul dead in
trespasses and sins receives life through con-
nection with Christ. By faith in Him as a
personal Saviour the union is formed. The
sinner unites his weakness to Christ's
strength, his emptiness to Christ's fullness,
his frailty to Christ's enduring might. Then
he has the mind of Christ. The humanity
of Christ has touched our humanity, and
our humanity has touched divinity."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 675.
13.
What does Jesus show to be the
result of abiding or not abiding in
Him? John 15:6, 7.
14.
What evidence of discipleship
does the Master expect? John 15:8.
NorE.—"Continual devotion establishes
so close a relation between Jesus and His
disciple that the Christian becomes like
Him in mind and character. Through a
connection with Christ he will have clearer
and broader views. His discernment will be
more penetrative, his judgment better bal-
anced. He who longs to be of service to
Christ is so quickened by the life-giving
power of the Sun of Righteousness that
he is enabled to bear much fruit to the
glory of God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
251.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I sincerely believe that Jesus will
come again and receive me unto Himself?
John 14:1-3.
2.
Am I making Christ my way, my
truth, my life? John 14:4-6.
3.
Does the Comforter, the Holy Spirit,
dwell in me? John 14:15-18.
4.
Am I daily abiding in Christ? John
15:1-8.
Lesson 12, for September 16, 1961
Jesus and His Father
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 17.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true
God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," page 680 (in chapter 73); pages 685-694 (in
chapter 74); "Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 737-746; "Fundamentals of Christian
Education," pages 431-433; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,"
vol. 5, pp. 1145-1148, and on Lesson Scripture; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Dictionary."
AIM:
To lead the Christian into closer communion with the Father and the Son,
and to point the way to that unity among brethren for which Christ prayed.
[ 37
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Son's Prayer for Himself
1.
"Father, . . . glorify Thy Son."
John 17:1.
2.
The Son's power to give eternal
life. John 17:2, 3.
3.
The Son's earthly work finished.
John 17:4, 5.
II. The Son Intercedes for the Disciples
4.
The Father perfectly revealed to
the disciples by the Son.
John 17:6-8.
5.
The Son prays particularly for His
own. John 17:9, 10.
6.
"Keep them from the evil."
John 17:11, 15.
7.
Jesus' faithful care for those who
were given Him. John 17:12, 13.
8.
Reasons for the world's hatred of
Christians. John 17:14, 16.
9.
The reason for and the means of
the disciples' sanctification.
John 17:17-19.
III. The Wider Prayer
10.
For those who would believe
through the disciples' word.
John 17:20.
11.
For perfect unity. John 17:21-23,
first part.
12.
That the world might believe.
John 17:23, last part.
13.
Christ's fourfold desire for His
followers. John 17:24-26.
THE LESSON
Introduction
tion did Jesus address to His Father,
and for what purpose? John 17:1.
The Intercessory Prayer:
"This chapter
contains the intercessory prayer offered by
Christ to His Father just before His trial
and crucifixion. This prayer is a lesson
regarding the intercession that the Sav-
iour would carry on within the veil, when
His great sacrifice in behalf of men, the
offering of Himself, should have been com-
pleted. Our Mediator gave His disciples
this illustration of His ministration in the
heavenly sanctuary in behalf of all who
will come to Him in meekness and humility,
emptied of all selfishness, and believing in
His power to save."-Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 1145.
The Son's Prayer for Himself
1.
As
the critical hour in His
earthly life approached, what peti-
2. For what beneficent purpose had
the Father given power to the Son?
John
17:2,
3.
NOTE.
-"The experimental knowledge of
God and of Jesus Christ whom He has
sent, transforms man into the image of
God. It gives to man the mastery of him-
self, bringing every impulse and passion
of the lower nature under the control of
the higher powers of the mind. It makes
its possessor a son of God and an heir of
heaven. It brings him into communion
with the mind of the Infinite, and opens
to him the rich treasures of the universe.
"This is the knowledge which is obtained
[
88]
by searching the word of God. And this
treasure may be found by every soul who
will give all to obtain
it."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 114.
3.
Why could Jesus confidently call
on the Father to glorify the Son?
John 17:4, 5.
NOTE.—"Christ is not praying for the
manifestation of the glory of human na-
ture; for that human nature never had an
existence in His pre-existence. He is pray-
ing to His Father in regard to a glory
possessed in His oneness with God. His
prayer is that of a mediator; the favor He
entreats is the manifestation of that divine
glory which was possessed by Him when
He was one with God. Let the veil be
removed, He says, and let My glory shine
forth—the glory which I had with Thee
before the world was."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
The Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary, vol.
5, p. 1146.
The Son Intercedes for the Disciples
4.
How successfully had Jesus re-
vealed the Father to His own follow-
ers? John 17:6-8.
NoTE.—There was no suggestion of self-
ishness in Christ's ministry for His dis-
ciples; He strove to share with them His
own full knowledge of the glories of eter-
nity. He had faithfully fulfilled the supreme
purpose of His Incarnation—to manifest
God's name, or to reveal God's character to
men—by His own love-filled, sinless life.
He had winsomely passed on to His dis-
ciples the words or messages that the
Father had given to Him, and His fol-
lowers had begun to perceive that in Jesus
of Nazareth they were beholding the eter-
nal Son of God who had been sent by
the Almighty as a living revelation of
Himself. In reviewing such ministry the
Master could justly feel a deep satisfaction.
5.
Who were the special objects of
His prayer? John 17:9, 10.
6.
What is one of the Master's main
concerns in this intercessory prayer?
John 17:11, 15.
NOTE.—"By His own example the Saviour
has shown that His followers can be in the
world and yet not of the world. He came
not to partake of its delusive pleasures,
to be swayed by its customs, and to follow
its practices, but to do His Father's will,
to seek and save the lost. With this object
before him the Christian may stand uncon-
taminated in any surroundings. Whatever
his station or circumstances, exalted or
humble, he will manifest the power of true
religion in the faithful performance of
duty."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 467.
7.
How faithfully had Jesus kept
those whom the Father had given into
His care? John 17:12, 13.
8.
What reason does Jesus assign
for the world's hatred of His follow-
ers? John 17:14, 16.
NoTE.—"Between righteousness and sin,
love and hatred, truth and falsehood,
there is an irrepressible conflict. When
one presents the love of Christ and the
beauty of holiness, he is drawing away the
subjects of Satan's kingdom, and the prince
of evil is aroused to resist it. Persecution
and reproach await all who are imbued
with the Spirit of
Christ."—Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing,
1956 ed., p. 29.
9.
What means has Jesus provided
for the sanctification of His disciples?
John 17:17-19.
NoTa.—"The Bible is the standard by
which to test the claims of all who profess
sanctification. . . . We need no other evi-
dence in order to judge of men's sancti-
fication; if they are fearful lest they shall
not obey the whole will of God, if they
are listening diligently to His voice, trust-
ing in His wisdom, and making His word
[ 39 ]
ARE
CHURCH MEMBERS HELPING TO ANSWER
CHRIST'S PRAYER FOR UNITY ?
3081-12
the man of their counsel, then, while they
make no boasts of superior goodness, we
may be sure that they are seeking to attain
to perfection of Christian character."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol.
5,
p. 1147.
The Wider Prayer
10.
For whom, in addition to His
first disciples, does Jesus pray? John
17:20.
NoTE.—"All that Christ was to the dis-
ciples, He desires to be to His children
today; for in that last prayer, with the
little band of disciples gathered about Him,
He said, 'Neither pray I for these alone,
but for them also which shall believe on
Me through their word.'
"—Steps to Christ,
1956 and pocket eds., p. 75.
"Yes; that prayer of Christ embraces
even us. We should be comforted by the
thought that we have a great Intercessor
in the heavens, presenting our petitions
before God. . . . In the hour of greatest
need, when discouragement would over-
whelm the soul, it is then that the watchful
eye of Jesus sees that we need His help."—
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 530.
11.
What is the dominant theme
in the Master's prayer for all believ-
ers? John 17:21-23, first part.
NoTE.—"Christ brings His disciples into
a living union with Himself and with the
Father. Through the working of the Holy
Spirit upon the human mind, man is made
complete in Christ Jesus. Unity with Christ
establishes a bond of unity with one an-
other. This unity is the most convincing
proof to the world of the majesty and vir-
tue of Christ, and of His power to take
away sin."—Ellen G. White Comments,
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary, vol
5, p. 1148.
12.
Of what does Christian unity
convince the onlooking world? John
17:23, last part.
NoTE.—"The unity of the church is the
convincing evidence that God has sent
Jesus into the world as its Redeemer. This
is an argument which woridlings cannot
controvert."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 620.
13.
What fourfold desire does Je-
sus cherish in respect of those who
follow Him? John 17:24-26.
NoTE.—This deepest and loftiest of all
recorded prayers closes by askifig the Fa-
ther's aid that Christians may (1) finally
be with Christ, (2) behold Christ's glory,
(3) experience the same love as the Father
has for the Son, and (4) have Christ
dwelling personally in them.
"Thus in the language of one who has
divine authority, Christ gives His elect
church into the Father's arms. As a con-
secrated high priest He intercedes for His
people. As a faithful shepherd He gathers
His flock under the shadow of the Al-
mighty, in the strong and sure refuge. For
Him there waits the last battle with Sa-
tan, and He goes forth to meet
it."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 680.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
When my life closes, shall I be able to
say, "I have finished the work which Thou
gayest me to do"? John 17:1-5.
2.
Can Jesus say of me, He has "kept
Thy word"? John 17:6-10.
3.
Does my knowledge of God's word
sanctify me? John 17:11-19.
4.
Am I one with the Father, the $on,
and the church? John 17:20-26.
[ 40 ]
Lesson 13, for September 23, 1961
Jesus and the Cross
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
John
3:14, 15; 8:28; 12:32; 18:1-9, 28-37; 19:1-37.
MEMORY VERSE:
"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must
the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
but have eternal life." John 3:14, 15.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 694-697, 723-757 (last of chapter 74,
and chapters 77, 78); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Les-
son Scriptures; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To lead God's children to a new consecration as they survey anew the won-
drous cross.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1, 2;
begin reading Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 3-5; read fur-
ther from Study Helps.
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 6-8; continue
reading Study Helps.
Wednesday: Questions 9-13.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Shadow of the Cross
1.
Why Jesus consented to the cross.
John 3:14, 15; 8:28; 12:32.
2.
The voluntary death of Jesus.
John 10:11, 15, 17, 18; 18:4, 7, 8.
II. The Jews, Pilate, and Jesus
3.
The Jews invoke Roman aid to
compass their ends. John 18:28-32.
4.
Pilate questions Jesus. John 18:
33-37.
5.
The innocent Prisoner cruelly
treated. John 19:1-6.
III. Jesus Condemned to Die
6.
Why the Jews judged Jesus to be
worthy of death. John 19:7.
7.
Pilate attempts to release Jesus.
John 19:8-11, 12, first part.
8.
Pilate delivers Jesus to be cruci-
fied. John 19:12 (last part), 13-16.
IV. Jesus on the Cross
9.
The title on the cross.
John 19:19-22.
10.
Prophecy fulfilled by the soldiers.
John 19:23, 24.
11.
Jesus' care for His mother.
John 19:25-27.
12.
Jesus completes His sacrifice.
John 19:28-30.
13.
Scriptures further fulfilled.
John 19:31-37.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Learn at the Foot of the Cross:
"It
would be well for us to spend a thoughtful
hour each day in contemplation of the life
of Christ. We should take it point by point,
and let the imagination grasp each scene,
especially the closing ones. As we thus
dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our
confidence in Him will be more constant,
our love will be quickened, and we shall
be more deeply imbued with His spirit.
If we would be saved at last, we must
learn the lesson of penitence and humilia-
tion at the foot of the cross."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 83.
41 1
IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS
WE SEE OUR •SINFULNESS
AND GREAT NEED.
The Shadow of the Cross
1.
What motives impelled Jesus to
go to the cross? John 3:14, 15; 8:28;
12:32.
NOTE.—"The
cross is in direct line with
the shining of the divine countenances, so
that by beholding the cross men may see
and know God and Jesus Christ, whom
He hath sent. In beholding God we behold
the One who poured out His soul unto
death. In beholding the cross the view is
extended to God, and His hatred of sin
is discerned. But while we behold in the
cross God's hatred of sin, we also behold
His love for sinners, which is stronger than
death. To the world the cross is the incon-
trovertible argument that God is truth and
light and love."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary, vol. 5,
p.
1133.
2.
How did Jesus emphasize the
voluntary nature of His efficacious
death? John 10:11, 15, 17, 18; 18:4,
7, 8.
NoTE.—"This was a
voluntary sacrifice.
Jesus might have remained at the Father's
side. He might have retained the glory of
heaven, and the homage of the angels. But
He chose to give back the scepter into the
Father's hands, and to step down from the
throne of the universe, that He might
bring light to the benighted and life to
the perishing."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
22, 23.
The Jews, Pilate, and Jesus
3.
Why did the Jewish leaders in-
voke Roman authority to bring about
the death of Jesus? John 18:28-32.
NOTE.—Oh, the cruel mockery of Jewish
rectitude! They would not enter the judg-
ment hall "lest they should be defiled,"
even while they were unjustly seeking the
death of the Sinless One ! Although hating
the Roman yoke, they were willing to use
Roman power that they might see Jesus
crucified.! Sin leads men to terrible incon-
sistencies.
4.
In response to Pilate's question-
ing, how did Jesus describe the king-
dom He was about to establish? John
18:33-37.
NOTE.—"The
kingdom of God comes not
with outward show. The gospel of the
grace of God, with its spirit of self-
abnegation, can never be in harmony with
the spirit of the world. The two principles
are antagonistic. . . .
"Not by the decisions of courts or coun-
cils or legislative assemblies, not by the
patronage of worldly great men, is the king-
dom of Christ established, but by the
implanting of Christ's nature in humanity
through the work of the Holy Spirit. . . .
Here is the only power that can work the
uplifting of mankind."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 509, 510.
5.
Although he recognized the Pris-
oner's innocence, what brutal treat-
ment did Pilate order and permit?.
John 19:1-6.
[ 42 ]
Jesus Condemned to Die
6.
On what grounds did His ene-
mies judge Jesus to be worthy of
death? John 19:7. See also John 5:18;
10:33.
7.
When Pilate heard the Jews' ac-
cusation against the Prisoner, how did
he then relate himself to Jesus? John
19:8-11, 12, first part.
8.
What finally led Pilate to de-
liver Jesus to the Jews for crucifixion?
John 19:12 (last part), 13-16.
NoTE.—"Pilate longed to deliver Jesus.
But he saw that he could not do this,
and yet retain his own position and honor.
Rather than lose his worldly power, he
chose to sacrifice an innocent life. How
many, to escape loss or suffering, in like
manner sacrifice principle. Conscience and
duty point one way, and self-interet-t points
another. The current sets strongly in the
wrong direction, and he who compromises
with evil is swept away into the thick
darkness of guilt."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 738.
Jesus on the Cross
9.
How did Pilate unwittingly tes-
tify to the truth of Jesus' claims? John
19:19-22.
NOTE.
-"A
higher power than Pilate or.
the Jews had directed the placing of that
inscription above the head of j vsu3. In
the providence of God it was to an aken
thought, and investigation of the Scrip-
tures. . . . It was a living truth, tran-
scribed by a hand that God had guided."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 745, 746.
10.
In what way did the soldiers
fulfill Scripture while Christ was on
the cross? John 19:23, 24.
11.
During His own agony, what
provision did Jesus make for His grief-
stricken mother? John 19:25-27.
NoTE.—"The perfect example of Christ's
filial love shines forth with undimmed lus-
ter from the mist of ages. For nearly thirty
years Jesus by His daily toil had helped
bear the burdens of the home. And now,
even in His last agony, He remembers to
provide for His sorrowing, widowed mother.
The same spirit will be seen in every
disciple of our Lord. Those who follow
Christ will feel that it is a part of their
religion to respect and provide for their
parents. From the heart where His love
is cherished, father and mother will never
fail of receiving thoughtful care and tender
sympathy."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 752.
12.
Under what circumstances did
the Saviour complete His sacrifice on
man's behalf? John 19:28-30.
NoTE.—"Christ did not yield up His life
till He had accomplished the work which
He came to do, and with His parting
breath He exclaimed, 'It is finished.' John
19:30. The battle had been won. His
right hand and His holy arm had gotten
Him the victory. As a Conqueror He
planted His banner on the eternal heights.
Was there not joy among the angels? All
heaven triumphed in the Saviour's victory.
Satan was defeated, and knew that his
kingdom was lost."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 758.
13.
How were the Scriptures
fur-
ther
fulfilled? John 19:31-37.
NOTE.-"But
it was not the spear thrust,
it was not the pain of the cross, that caused
the death of Jesus. That cry, uttered 'with
a loud voice' (Matt. 27:50; Luke 23:46),
at the moment of death, the stream of
blood and water that flowed from His
side, declared that He died of a broken
heart. His heart was broken by mental
anguish. He was slain by the sin of the
world."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 772.
43
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I profess a form of godliness
while doing despite to the Son of God?
John 18:28-32.
2.
Do I belong to the kingdom of this
world, or of the world to come? John
18:36.
3.
How Christlike am I toward my
parents? John 19:25-27.
4.
Am I as faithful to my mission as
Jesus was to His? John 19:30.
Lesson 14 for September 30, 1961
Jesus and the Resurrection
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 19:38-42; 20:1-31.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His
disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye
might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye
might have life through His name." John 20:30, 31.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 769-808 (chapters 80 to 84); "The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," vol. 5, pp. 558-560, and on Lesson
Scripture; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To help us share the disciples' belief in the reality of our Lord's resurrection.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
from Study Helps.
Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-4.
Thursday: Read further from Study
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin read-
Helps.
0
ing Study Helps.
Friday: Finish reading Study Helps;
Tuesday: Questions 8-12.
review entire lesson.
0
Wednesday: Question 13; read
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Burial and Resurrection
1.
Care for Jesus' body.
John 19:38-42.
2.
Mary Magdalene's discovery.
John 20:1, 2.
3.
Peter and John confirm Mary's
discovery. John 20:3-7.
4.
John believes in the resurrection.
John 20:8-10.
II. Mary and the Master
5.
Two angels speak with Mary.
John 20:11-13.
6.
Mary converses with the Master.
John 20:14-16.
7. Mary fulfills the commission given
by the Lord. John 20:17, 18.
III. The Risen Lord and His Disciples
8. Jesus meets His disciples.
John 20:19, 20.
9. Jesus bestows spiritual gifts.
John 20:21-23.
10. The skepticism of Thomas.
John 20:24, 25.
11. Jesus deals with Thomas's disbelief.
John 20:26, 27.
12. Thomas tardily believes.
John 20:28, 29.
IV. John's Objective in His Gospel
13. John explains the purpose behind
the writing of his book.
John 20:30, 31; 21:25.
[44
]
THE LESSON
3.
How thoroughly did Peter and
John confirm Mary's report? John
20:3-7.
4.
What conviction did the empty
tomb bring to the beloved disciple?
John 20:8-10.
Introduction
Life to the Believer: "To the believer,
Christ is the resurrection and the life. In
our Saviour the life that was lost through
sin is restored; for He has life in Himself
to quicken whom He will. He is invested
with the right to give immortality. The
life that He laid down in humanity, He
takes up again, and gives to humanity."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 786, 787.
Burial and Resurrection
1.
After the Saviour's death, who
lovingly cared for His body? John
19:38-42.
NoTE.—"Even in death, Christ's body
was very precious to His disciples. They
longed to give Him an honored burial,
but knew not how to accomplish this. . .
"In this emergency, Joseph of Arimathea
and Nicodemus came to the help of the
disciples. Both these men were members of
the Sanhedrin, and were acquainted with
Pilate. Both were men of wealth and in-
fluence. They were determined that the
body of Jesus should have an honorable
burial."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 772,
7 73 .
2.
When the first visitor, after a
Sabbath's rest, arrived at the sepul-
cher, what did she discover? John
20:1, 2.
NOTE.—"The women who had stood by
the cross of Christ waited and watched
for the hours of the Sabbath to pass. On
the first day of the week, very early, they
made their way to the tomb, taking with
them precious spices to anoint the Sav-
iour's body.. .
"The women had not all come to the
tomb from the same direction. Mary Mag-
dalene was the first to reach the place; and
upon seeing that the stone was removed,
she hurried away to tell the disciples."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 788.
NOTE.—"The disciples hurried to the
tomb, and found it as Mary had said.
They saw the shroud and the napkin, but
they did not find their Lord. Yet even
here was testimony that He had risen.
The graveclothes were not thrown heed-
lessly aside, but carefully folded, each in a
place by itself. John 'saw, and believed.'
He did not yet understand the scripture
that Christ must rise from the dead; but
he now remembered the Saviour's words
foretelling His resurrection."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 789.
Mary and the Master
5.
On her return to the tomb, with
whom did Mary Magdalene first con-
verse? John 20:11-13.
6.
What sacred privilege was then
granted her? John 20:14-16.
Noza.—"How many echo Mary's de-
spairing cry, 'They have taken away the
Lord, . . . and we know not where they
have laid Him'! To how many might the
Saviour's words be spoken, 'Why weepest
thou? whom seekest thou?' He is close
beside them, but their tear-blinded eyes
do not discern Him. He speaks to them,
but they do not understand."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 794.
7.
What message did the risen Lord
commission Mary to deliver? How
faithfully did she fulfill His com-
mand? John 20:17, 18.
[451
NOTE.—"Jesus refused to receive the
homage of His people until He had the
assurance that His sacrifice was accepted
by the Father. He ascended to the heavenly
courts, and from God Himself heard the
assurance that His atonement for the sins
of men had been ample, that through His
blood all might gain eternal
life."—The De-
sire of Ages,
page 790.
The Risen Lord and His Disciples
8.
Under what circumstances did
the Master meet most of His disciples
on the evening of the resurrection
day? John 20:19, 20.
9.
What spiritual gifts did the Lord
then bestow on His followers? John
20:21-23.
NOTE.—"The more abundant impartation
of the Spirit did not take place till after
Christ's ascension. Not until this was re-
ceived could the disciples fulfill the com-
mission to preach the gospel to the world.
But the Spirit was now given for a special
purpose. Before the disciples could fulfill
their official duties in connection with the
church, Christ breathed His Spirit upon
them."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 805.
10.
On hearing of this meeting,
how did Thomas Didymus express
his skepticism? John 20:24, 25.
11.
What loving rebuke did the
Lord give to His doubting disciple a
week later? John 20:26, 27.
NoTE.—"Jesus, in His treatment of
Thomas, gave His followers a lesson re-
garding the manner in which they should
treat those who have doubts upon reli-
gious truth, and who make those doubts
prominent. . . . Persistent controversy will
seldom weaken unbelief, but rather put it
upon self-defense, where it will find new
support and excuse. Jesus, revealed in His
love and mercy as the crucified Saviour,
will bring from many once unwilling lips
the acknowledgment of Thomas, 'My Lord,
and my God.' "—Ellen G. White Comments,
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary,
vol. 5, p. 1151.
12.
When Thomas tardily believed,
how did Jesus commend those whose
belief does not depend on sight? John
20:28, 29.
John's Objective in His Gospel
13.
In concluding his Gospel, how
does John explain the central purpose
behind the writing of his book? John
20:30, 31; 21:25.
NOTE.—From among the multitude of
miracles done by "Jesus in the presence of
His disciples" John chose those which were
most likely to build up in the reader a
firm faith that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed
"the Christ, the Son of God." This central
purpose was born of the conviction that
such belief is absolutely essential to salva-
tion.
The study of John's Gospel can be as
productive of saving belief now as when the
apostle first wrote his deep yet simple
words. Each reader may meet the Master
in the sacred page; he may find Him to be
the Son of God; and believing Him to be
this, he may have life "through His name."
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
What message has the empty tomb
for me? John 20:1-10.
2.
Am I well enough acquainted with
my Lord to recognize His voice when He
speaks to me? John 20:11-18.
3.
Am I more ready to believe than was
Thomas Didymus? John 20:19-29.
4.
From my study of John's Gospel do
I
have a saving faith in Jesus, the Christ,
the Son of God? John 20:30, 31.
[ 46 I
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 30, 1961
The overflow this quarter goes to the South American Division.
South America is a great continent of opportunity and contrast. The
overflow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering has helped this great
continent in many ways in the past, providing medical-missionary
launches to ply the network of rivers, buildings and equipment for
various schools, and many other things.
This quarter we will again come to the aid of the River Plate
College. The work in South America is rapidly expanding, and the
River Plate College is expanding in an endeavor to meet the need for
trained workers. The old buildings, built forty years ago, have, in fact,
expanded almost to the breaking point. Five and six students are
crowded into one room. The time has come when new buildings and
equipment are imperative.
We know our Sabbath school members around the world will rally
to the support of this school on September 30, as they have rallied to
other calls in the past. We thank you all heartily for your support.
GENERAL CONFERENCE SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1961
The subject of the quarter's lessons is "Character Studies of Bible Youth."
The title of the first lesson is "Youth in the Home and in the Church." The
Memory Verse is 1 Timothy 4:12. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Ps. 127:3.
Ques. 2. Prov. 22:6.
Ques. 3. Eph. 6:4.
Quse. 4. 1 Tim. 3:4, 5, 12.
Ques. 5. Ex. 20:12.
Ques. 6. Eph. 6:1-3.
Ques. 7. Eccl. 12:1; Prov. 3:1-6;
4:20-27; 23:26.
Ques. 8. Mark 10:13-16.
Ques. 9. Matt. 18:1-6.
Ques. 10. John 21:15.
Ques. 11. I Tim. 4:12.
Ques. 12. Joel 2:28, 29.
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